Australian Prime Minister Howard Says No Debate on Abortion Restricions

CANBERRA, November 15, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Australian Prime Minister John Howard said Sunday that there would be no cabinet debate on the abortion issue. The issue was expected to dominate as cabinet resumed Monday after the re-election of Howard’s Liberal government in October.  Several MPs, led by Health Minister Tony Abbott, had sought restrictions such as outlawing late-term abortions, or reducing Medicare funding of abortions. Howard said Wednesday that “People are entitled to raise these issues, but I stress there will not be any government-sponsored change,” to the abortion law.  No mention of a private members bill was raised in cabinet Monday either, although Howard also said last week that he would allow a free conscience vote if it were tabled. He advised his ministers, rather, to have “quiet and reflective” conversation on the issue, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report. The same report suggested it was “highly unlikely” that a private members bill would now be tabled on the abortion issue.  See local coverage: https://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Cabinet-endorses-abortion-status-quo/2004/11/15/1100384498461.html   See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:  Abortion, a High Priority for Australian Cabinet Debate https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/nov/04111209.html   tv