The following news is from Women’s Health Victoria http://www.whv.org.au/newsroom.htm
On the 16th of September 2008, Senator Barnett raised a disallowance motion http://www.whv.org.au/newsroom.htm#medicareFunding to remove the Medicare item no. 16525 – “Management of second trimester labour, with or without induction, for intrauterine fetal death, gross fetal abnormality or life threatening maternal disease.”
This motion is to disallow item 16525 of regulations that provide Medicare funding under the Health Insurance Act of 1973. The aim of the disallowance motion is to withdraw Medicare funding for second trimester abortions and late-term abortions.
If the motion is successful, women who cannot afford to pay the full cost of the procedure may be forced to continue a pregnancy.
The disallowance motion was referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee for inquiry. The Committee is expected to report by the end of the year.
Action:
The Women’s networks encourage their members and supporters to make a written submission to the inquiry and support a woman’s fundamental right to safe, affordable and legal abortion.
Information on the Senate Committee inquiry, including how to make a submission
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fapa_ctte/health_insurance_regs/index.htm
Or
Email: The Women’s Electoral Lobby http://www.wel.org.au/ in SA for a copy of the petition at welinc.sa@gmail.com and return your petitions to them at:
Women’s Electoral Lobby SA, GPO BOX 2026, Adelaide, SA 5000.
Further Information
Children by Choice http://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/
Children by Choice response to the Proposal to remove Medicare Item No. 16525
http://www.whv.org.au/news/CbyC_ProtectingTheHealthCareOfPregnantWomenInTheSecondTrimester.pdf
