Debate in the Legislative Council on the abortion reform Bill recently introduced by Liberal MLC Ben Hood prompted opposing views from the South East’s two Upper House Labor members and cabinet ministers.
Attorney General Kyam Maher and nine others successfully opposed the Bill after more than three hours of debate.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven was among the nine MLCs who narrowly lost the vote.
Liberals Dennis Hood and Michelle Lensink abstained from voting on a last-minute pair arrangement while Legislative Council president and Liberal Terry Stephens was not required to vote.
The two major parties had granted their members a conscience vote on the Bill.
The Bill proposed by Mr Hood would have meant that someone pregnant for more than 27 weeks and six days who is seeking a termination would be induced instead of receiving an abortion.
The mother could then choose whether to keep the baby or put it up for adoption.
Speeches were made by 14 MLCs from the major parties and the crossbench.
Minister Scriven is a devout Catholic and addressed the Legislative Council from notes for 12 minutes.
“I submit that this Bill has the potential to protect (newborn) lives,” Minister Scriven said.
“This Bill does not prevent any woman seeking an abortion past
27 weeks and six days ending their pregnancy.
“Therefore, this is a Bill that should be supported and I commend it to the chamber.”
Mr Maher devoted a significant portion of his 17-minute speech to question the motives of Mr Hood.
“Put simply: this bill poses a real and significant danger not only to the physical health and safety of all women but to women’s fundamental right to bodily autonomy,” Mr Maher said.
Mr Hood subsequently rejected the assertion of Mr Maher that he was promoting his Private Member’s Bill to enhance his standing in the Liberal Party.
In the aftermath of the vote, Mr Hood stated he would not bring his Private Member’s Bill back to Parliament prior to the 2026 election.