Victorian Abortion Law

[Humph Warden Bennett]

I have brought this one here since the Observer won't let us debate it on their site.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/20/abortion-campaign-scrap-victorian-law-womens-equality-party

I get the impression that the sisters have not thought this one through. Prosecutions under this law are very rare, if the law is repealed then a man who deliberately poisons his pregnant partner so as to induce an unwanted abortion will not have broken the law.

[Nearly Sane]

I have brought this one here since the Observer won't let us debate it on their site.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/20/abortion-campaign-scrap-victorian-law-womens-equality-party

I get the impression that the sisters have not thought this one through. Prosecutions under this law are very rare, if the law is repealed then a man who deliberately poisons his pregnant partner so as to induce an unwanted abortion will not have broken the law.

In your hypothetical, us the person poisoning their partner doing it without their knowledge and consent? If so other laws would apply.

[ProfessorDavey]

I have brought this one here since the Observer won't let us debate it on their site.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/20/abortion-campaign-scrap-victorian-law-womens-equality-party

I get the impression that the sisters have not thought this one through. Prosecutions under this law are very rare, if the law is repealed then a man who deliberately poisons his pregnant partner so as to induce an unwanted abortion will not have broken the law.

I would never want to see us go back to the days of back-street abortions.

Now before the Abortion Act of 1967 we had back street abortions because terminations conducted under proper medical supervision were illegal. But if I am reading this article right we could see a return to back street abortions because terminations not conducted under proper medical supervision became legal.

I wouldn't want to see that and broadly I think we have the approach right - we permit terminations but only under strict conditions and only when conducted under proper medical supervision. That seems right to me.

[Humph Warden Bennett]

In your hypothetical, us the person poisoning their partner doing it without their knowledge and consent? If so other laws would apply.

Yes, but the actual intention of procuring an abortion would not be illegal.

[Humph Warden Bennett]

I would never want to see us go back to the days of back-street abortions.

Now before the Abortion Act of 1967 we had back street abortions because terminations conducted under proper medical supervision were illegal. But if I am reading this article right we could see a return to back street abortions because terminations not conducted under proper medical supervision became legal.

I wouldn't want to see that and broadly I think we have the approach right - we permit terminations but only under strict conditions and only when conducted under proper medical supervision. That seems right to me.

Agreed.

[Nearly Sane]

Yes, but the actual intention of procuring an abortion would not be illegal.

I think Prof Davey's point on this is a stronger one as a possible unintended consequence. I can see why they want the law changed but it seems a piece of mood music that is distracting given the real issue in NI.