Abortion
Approximately 70 000 to 80 000 women undergo abortions in Australia every year [http://wwww.kerrynettle.org.au]. With abortion services being accessed so easily by women, it is a frequent mistake to think abortion is lawful in Australia. However, although it is a common technique employed worldwide, it is not commonly accepted. In reality, abortions only exist for women who fit specific criteria, with all other abortions considered unlawful. Women in Australia in reality have abortions, but lawfully, they are not given the absolute right to choose abortion simply because they wish to end the pregnancy.
Every state and territory in Australia has laws legislating what is an unlawful abortion. As abortion law falls under state rather than federal law, this essay will examine the legislation that operates in Queensland's jurisdiction. Key arguments presented by activist groups, namely both Pro-Choice and the Pro-Life organisations will be discussed. In addition, emphasis will be placed upon Queensland abortion laws becoming more synchronised with the civil rights of women.
So what is an abortion? An "abortion is defined as the ending of the process of gestation after the egg has attached itself to the uterine wall, and before the foetus is possibly capable of surviving outside the womb, with or without artificial support" [http://www.qls.com.au]. It can be spontaneous or it may be induced. Spontaneous abortion is commonly recognised as a miscarriage. A miscarriage occurs when the mother's body expels the foetus naturally, thus being motivated for multiple reasons. However this essay will concentrate on induced or therapeutic abortions, which occur when the pregnancy is ended by surgical or other measures.
Statutory provisions in every State and Territory of Australia make it a crime to 'unlawfully' administer any poison or noxious thing, or use any instrument or other means, with intent to procure miscarriage. This crime may...
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