Call for session to look at law

Press, 4 March 1978, Page 3

Call for session to look at law

Timaru 1 he member of Parliament for Timaru (Sir Basil Arthur) believes that a “short, sharp session of Parliament should be called before April to consider the Abortion Supervisory Committee’s request for changes to the abortion law.

Sir Basil said yesterday that he had received many requests to have the law changed, but he believed Parliament must take notice of the three specific changes requested by the supervisory committee.

Although the changes were onlv minor, they would ensure the legislation would work, he said.

"I only hope the legislation will be given a chance to work, but Parliament should take notice of the matters the committee has raised.”

Sir Basil said he thought the House could tidy up the legislation in the Contraception. Sterilisation and Abortion Act in a short, sharp session which would last no more than a few da vs.

Sir Basil also said he had received abusive letters over his amendment to the abortion law. His amendment had not made foetal abnormality a ground for an abortion. unless the mother was in mental or physical danger.

Commenting on a petition, Sir Basil said he would like; to see the signatures on the petition, and to see how many people signed. “I hope everyone under-' stands what the petition is about. Some people will sigm anything.” Sir Basil said. i