Like you I am against any violence and mistreatment against anyone in our society and especially those who are vulnerable. Violence against women is deplorable and any man who either psycologicaly or physically abuses women and/or children is a coward.

The issue we are discussing is the right of the unborn child at law. I believe we should be also concerned with the mother and her physical and psycological state in dealing with this very complex matter. I personally know the trauma associated with having an abortion and the guilt and shame that can follow.

“36% of women who had experienced violence from a previous partner, and who had been pregnant at some stage inthat relationship, said that violence occurred during the pregnancy and 17% experienced violence for the first time whilst pregnant.” (Domestic Violence in NSW) I’m sure that other areas of the country are as bad or worse. 25% of girls will experience some form of sexual abuse by the age of 18.

Rape in marriage wasn’t a crime until not very long ago - there are still judges/police etc who don’t believe it should be a crime now - it happens, but gets lost in the reality of reporting any form of sexual assault???Only recently, there was the judge’s verdict of a ‘technical’ rape, because the woman became unconscious before the act was completed? What? Still this nonsense in 2009? I thought once the mini skirt; out late at night etc was gone, we’d assume a better form of justice? Sadly, apparently we’re ‘not there yet’?

This all adds up to a pretty disgusting attitude by too many males. It would be more positive, if just some of the so-called ‘pro life’ people were more actively concerned about women; how they’re depicted, how men treat them and about joint responsibilities. If all men who didn’t want to father a child insisted on using a condom - guess what? Problem almost solved! But no, they’re driven by an obliging society re their irresponsibility, that prefers to question the morals, values and priorities of pregnant women. The hyocrisy is amazing, and I’m sick to death of it! And before you ask, no, I’m not a man hater, I just hate oppression and hypocrisy!

While you’re at it, you could work on the attitudes in the community and in governments re the treatment of people with disabilities. I listen to Talkback on ABC every day, and when this topic is raised, I’m shocked and ashamed at the cruel, no vicious comments from people ‘on the street’ that too many parents of kids with a disability have to cope with. Fix that up too, and ensure, that when parents of a disabled child(adult) die, the adult dependant person is cared for - it doesn’t happen now. We don’t even have a suitable unit for head injury or paralysed (or both) people from car accidents - young adults are shut in with elderly people with dementia etc. Horrific! Tidy up the society and its attitudes - then have a go at both parents culpability - not just the woman! In the meantime, set the laws up, so that a national law that allows the use of medical terminations via RU486 allows highly qualified medical people to use it in each state and territory. It’s just damned stupid as it is!

Then, who does?

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26008385-3102,00.html

Firstly, I dont beleive that Laws should be labelled archaic based soley on popular opinion, regardless of how established or otherwsie they may be. Modern generations have no more right than previuos generations in determining the morality and values of our society. If our society, by popular opinion, agreed that all deformed humans should be exterminated because they are a burden to individuals or our society, morality would be diminished to a democratic vote.

Secondly, you have diminished your arguments to a damaged child. Not all abortions are the result of an imperfect child in the womb.

Thirdly, I’m all for “pro-choice” as long as it does not infringe the rights and protection of others. e.g. I can choose to rob a bank, but that doesnt make it right. I can choose to be a rapist, but when my choice infringes the right of another person it is not acceptable. This is why we have laws. They draw the boundaries around our choice that protects others.

I do agree with you that less judgement and more love and understanding would produce a healthier society that takes care of all its citizens and values human life.

I’m very pleased indeed that I was never in this awful position, and I don’t believe I have the right to judge or condemn; and certainly no right to insist that other women make decisions that fit into my beliefs - I have no right to demand that a woman, for any reason should continue with a pregnancy regardless! I know women who’ve had to make the difficult decision to terminate their pregnancies, and it was always done with a very heavy heart. The laws in Queensland are archaic and should be repealed. Abortion should not be a crime! Nor should there be a different ‘set of rules’ for surgical and medical terminations. This is 2009 - let’s not go back to the days when women were butchered, died from horrific infections or made infertile due to backyard abortionists.