The Victorian Greens will introduce a Bill to Parliament this week to enshrine abortion services into the Victorian constitution, safeguarding access to abortion in the state.
The change requires a supermajority of 60% of votes in the Parliament and would help protect any future governments from winding back abortion services in Victoria.
The Victorian Greens say that in a time when abortion is being increasingly politicised, we must protect people’s right to choose when it comes to their bodies.
Adding that we can’t afford to go backwards when many in Victoria are already facing harmful barriers when it comes to accessing abortion.
Two thirds of local government areas have no surgical abortion providers, which is worse in regional Victoria where people may need to travel hours to access a provider.
Victorian health services have also sounded the alarm on conscientious objectors who are failing to fulfil their legal requirements to refer people seeking abortions to alternative services in the state.
As we’re seeing abortion increasingly politicised the Victorian Greens’ spokesperson for health services Dr Sarah Mansfield says that now is the time to make this change.
She added that access is already a postcode lottery in the state and that we can’t afford to be sent backwards.
As stated by the Victorian Greens health services spokesperson, Dr Sarah Mansfield:
“People should always have the right to choose when it comes to their body.
“Around the world, and here in Australia, we are seeing many in power increasingly emboldened to attack reproductive rights for political purposes.
“Reproductive rights have been hard-won, but it’s clear the fight isn’t over. Governments shouldn’t be able to restrict access to fundamental health care based on political agendas.
“We can’t afford to go backwards. We already know that many people, especially regional Victorians, are already facing harmful barriers when it comes to accessing abortions.
“If there was ever a time to do this, it’s now. The Greens call on the government to back this important step and protect Victorians’ reproductive rights for good.”
