Mandatory Counselling/Viewing of Ultrasound for Women who Terminate their Pregnancy

Once again, I have stumbled across another current Bill by Fred Nile (pictured to the right), which has prompted me to discuss it. This Bill (Pregnancy Termination (Mandatory Counselling) Bill 2015) was introduced the same day as the Bill in the previous blog post which relates to increasing the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 (both introduced by Fred Nile). Much like that Bill on the drinking age; this one has been denied before, and re-introduced this year.


This Bill proposes amendments to the procedures of terminating a pregnancy. This outlines that the woman who is considering terminating her pregnancy for whatever reason MUST undertake mandatory counselling sessions, as well as viewing an ultrasound of her unborn baby. I think that this an absurd and dreadful proposal that is forcing a woman to go through these procedures; when it must already be a tough time for them. This would take an immense toll on her mental health and I completely disagree with this proposal. It is not pro-choice and takes a disgusting stance on an already serious issue in today's society.

The fact that this proposal will submit the woman through immeasurable pain and possibly making her feel guilty for her actions (even though it is her choice in the matter- no one else) is not how the law should function in our world. We shouldn't have to stoop to these levels- forcing the woman to attend counselling session or viewing images of her unborn baby is just absurd and ludicrous. I think this is a very silly proposal and is not how I pictured the law to operate; to be playing and toying with the emotions of a woman in such a way; to force her to do such things. It is just plain wrong.

Reference for Text:
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/131a07fa4b8a041cca256e610012de17/86865db4fbcb2da0ca257e3c0025c951?OpenDocument

Reference for Images:
http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/2/n/l/g/f/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.12nlep.png/1421202992597.jpg
http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/sites/default/files/files/styles/large/public/field/image/tumblr_louqj5ibcC1qk48q1o1_500.png