FEDERAL Parliament’s decision to strip Health Minister Tony Abbott of his veto over the abortion drug RU486 and hand control to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) would do nothing to reduce the rate of abortion in Australia, Catholic Health Australia chief executive officer Francis Sullivan said.
Mr Sullivan was joined by a chorus of other pro-life groups and politicians in condemning the action that would effectively lead to the death of more Australian babies.
Australians Against RU486 spokeswoman Dr Cathy Lennon said the RU486 bill’s successful passage through the House of Representatives on February 16 was a backward step for Australia, the parliament and women’s health.
Federal Member for Kennedy, Independent Bob Katter, who is a Catholic, said he did not trust the Therapeutic Goods Administration to take over control of the abortion drug.
An amendment by NSW Liberal MP Jackie Kelly, who proposed retaining ministerial power over RU486 but giving Parliament the right to disallow a decision, was defeated.
