Govt Decides Against Abortion Law Change

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32047, 23 July 1969, Page 5

Govt Decides Against Abortion Law Change

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) MELBOURNE, July 21. The Victorian Government will make no change in the law on abortion and the state Cabinet has decided against a Royal commission into abortion, the Acting Premier (Sir Arthur Rylah) said today.

He said the Government considered a recent ruling by Mr Justice Menhennitt had confirmed and clarified the law relating to abortion. The Judge defined two considerations which made it “not unlawful’’ to perform an abortion. Sir Arthur Rylah said an inquiry such as a Royal commission might drag on indefinitely. The subject of abortion involved deeply rooted religious, moral and ethidal considerations. “The differing opinions on these matters would not be readily reconciled or satisfied by the findings of a. Royal commission/’ he said. Mr Justice Menhennitt ruled on May 20 that for an abortion to be lawful the doctor must honestly believe on reasonable grounds that it was necessary to preserve the woman from a serious danger to her life, or her physical or mental health, and that the abortion would not be out of proportion to the danger to be averted. The State Cabinet reached its decision on abortion after more than 12 months of political controversy. Last week a special meeting

of doctors from the Victorian branch of the Australian Medical Association rejected moves by Scottish-born Dr Bertram Wainer to allow abortions on demand or request.

Dr Wainer has publicly admitted performing two abortions and has announced he has plans for a third.