From Unaccepted to Elevated: Academic Leader Reflects on Changing Attitudes Towards Abortion
Every year, around 80,000 babies are aborted in Australia, a practice that was once frowned upon for religious and cultural reasons.
Equivalent to more than 3,000 classrooms’ worth of children, the nation faces its lowest birthrate in 90 years.
Recently, abortion has become a prominent topic in the 2024 Queensland election. Despite the Labor government decriminalizing abortion in 2018 and increasing access and funding for abortions, parties like Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) aim to introduce amendments to current laws.
In the midst of this, KAP leader Robbie Katter announced plans to amend abortion laws in Queensland, sparking a significant campaign by Labor to uphold access to abortions. This move drew comparisons to U.S. abortion laws and led to petitions advocating for continued access, even though the LNP has no abortion policy.
Katter stated that his focus would be on providing medical care to babies who survive abortions, emphasizing the human rights aspect of the issue.
Despite the controversy, major parties in Queensland have differing stances on abortion laws, reflecting a broader divide between regional and urban voters.
Abortion rates in Australia align with global trends, with approximately 80,000 abortions performed annually. However, actual data on abortions is challenging to track due to classification issues.
Attitudes toward abortion have shifted over time, with the practice transitioning from condemnation to normalization, especially in the Western world. Campaigns like Shout Your Abortion aim to destigmatize abortion and highlight positive narratives.
In Queensland, the government allocated an additional $40 million to enhance abortion access, emphasizing support for women throughout the termination process.
Advocates like Matthew Cliff from Cherish Life urge voters to support candidates aligned with their values, citing concerns over the increase in abortions since the introduction of the Termination of Pregnancy Act.
