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

Voluntary Euthanasia

I firmly believe that the laws banning voluntary euthanasia in Australia (“assisted dying”) is absolutely cruel, dangerous and restricting. Fundamental to the functioning of Australian society is the principle concept of choice and respect; governing us as a nation. Terminally ill patients must have the right to choose to die on their own terms, or continue their diminishing quality of life in pain and suffering. We need to respect each individual and ultimately give them the choice to live or die, as it is their life, and is not something the law should have control over. I believe that the legality of this concept is derived from religious views and human ethics/morality from hundreds of years ago, and we need to abolish these prehistoric and outdated laws. Once again, I stress the notion, that as a society with changing views and expectations on certain topics; the law and legal system has to keep up with these changes and make amendments to fit our overall views as a nation. 

Providing these terminally ill patients with the dignity and respect they deserve, and go out on their own terms, especially if they have no prospect of recovery; is vital to this concept. Why should the law have an impact on how they live the rest of their lives? They are the one going through the constant pain and suffering, along with their families as they watch their loved ones deteriorate and break down. I am not saying that all patients in palliative care or those with no recovery prospects, should end their life, I am merely suggesting that they have the choice to do so. That is all it is. A choice. Their decision to make. We need to treat them with the utmost respect, and allow them to salvage their dignity.

It is all about giving them the OPTION. nothing more. nothing less. They deserve this. No person should have to be forced to go through this prolonged suffering and extreme discomfort. It just feels like torture. I just don’t understand how we haven’t introduced voluntary euthanasia laws (over 30 attempts in the past 15 years have all been rejected, despite 70% of the public are in favour towards the legalisation)…. It is time to make a change. Some form of legalisation needs to be introduced!

Above is an important video showcasing these ideas represented in my blog entry.

Reference for Text:

http://www.ntnews.com.au/news/northern-territory/crusade-to-bring-back-euthanasia/story-fnk0b1zt-1227540886380

Reference for Images:

http://jeffreyhill.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d417153ef010536a6fc70970c-pi

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Dignity_in_Dying_logo.png

Reference for Youtube Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4fsrcWJRPo