PRIME Minister John Howard has given hope to pro-life advocates by leaving the way open for a private member’s bill on abortion to be debated in Federal Parliament.
At the same time, in a television interview on February 6, he said a bill proposing changes to Medicare funding of abortions would have no chance of being passed.
He said he did not expect a bill limiting funding arrangements for abortions would be tabled.
He said the Government’s position had not changed and it would not be sponsoring any change to existing funding arrangements.
Senator Ron Boswell, a Catholic from Queensland, reignited a national debate on abortion on January 31 by tabling a list of questions for Health Minister Tony Abbott.
The questions related to the number, cost and providers of abortions, and requested details on funding for counselling.
Senator Boswell has indicated he would not consider presenting a private member’s bill until after he had received answers to his questions.
Independent Tasmanian Senator Brian Harradine, also a Catholic, said abortion was an issue many people would prefer remained hidden and unaddressed.
