AUSTRALIA’S Catholic bishops have welcomed Prime Minister John Howard’s willingness to allow a parliamentary debate on abortion.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) president, Archbishop Francis Carroll of Canberra and Goulburn, said abortion was a matter of concern in the community, with many people holding strong views.
‘It is important that social policy be based on reliable information and that we have a better understanding of the reasons that lead to women choosing abortion,’ Archbishop Carroll said.
He said the Church remains committed to offering services to assist women faced with difficulties in pregnancy.
Mr Howard said the Government had not changed its policy on Medicare funding for abortions but, if a private member’s bill was tabled, a debate would be allowed and members would have a conscience vote.
Meanwhile, Sydney Labor MP John Murphy is urging the Federal Government to improve financial and practical support to pregnant women ‘who would otherwise choose an abortion’.
Mr Murphy, who is Federal Member for Lowe and a Catholic, raised the issue in questions put to Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott in Parliament on February 8.
A spokeswoman for Mr Abbott said the Prime Minister had indicated in recent statements that initiatives such as providing practical assistance to pregnant women who may be considering an abortion were a good idea, but she said nothing concrete had been decided.
