By Susan Price
MELBOURNE — More than 50 protesters held a speak-out at the State Library on August 8 calling for the repeal of abortion laws in Australia.
The action, organised by the Pro-Choice Coalition, was part of a national day of action on abortion rights called by the Abortion Rights Network of Australia.
The Melbourne protesters participated in an open forum which emphasised the centrality of free, safe abortion on demand in securing women's control over their fertility.
The recent changes to abortion laws in Western Australia were discussed, some speakers pointing out that young women's access to abortion services is still limited and that doctors can still be prosecuted for performing abortions in that state.
A statewide campaign for the repeal of all abortion laws in Victoria will be launched on September 7 at the YWCA in Melbourne. The "Abortion — Not a Crime" campaign is being organised by a broad coalition of women's, community and legal organisations, including the Pro-Choice Coalition. The coalition will put pressure on state politicians to sponsor a private member's bill for repeal.
As part of this campaign, a Pro-Choice Coalition speak-out for abortion rights will be held on September 12 on the steps of Parliament House, to coincide with the next sitting of parliament.