GUY BARNETT DISALLOWANCE MOTION

On 17 September 2008, the Senate Chamber will have a conscience vote on Senator Guy Barnett’s disallowance motion, to remove Medicare item number 16525 from the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
 
Since the late 1970s this item has been used to provide a government rebate for those women with a health crisis in their pregnancy between 14 and 26 weeks gestation, who then decide to terminate the pregnancy.  Across Australia, this procedure has been performed lawfully.

Removing the Medicare rebate for a 2nd term abortion would be punishing women financially for a medical procedure deemed to be lawful and free from moral judgement.

Removal of item number 16525 from the MBS would affect 1-2% of abortions per year annually and save the government approx $180,000 per year based on 2007 figures.  If this motion was passed it would shift the cost of abortion entirely onto the woman and arguably cause emotional and psychological angst over a procedure that should be free of moral judgement from politicians and members of the community.

Most procedures of this nature at that stage in the pregnancy are performed in public hospitals at little or no cost to the patient.  Senator Barnett’s motion will only disadvantage the small number of patients who go to private hospitals

If passed this motion would be a step backwards.  Item 16525 on the MBS was approved nearly 30 years ago to provide Medicare assistance for a lawful procedure.  It is important to not to give in minority groups who make a moral judgement on those placed in the unfortunate position of having a late-term abortion.

The management of terminations is an issue for a medical practitioner to decide in consultation with his or her patient- it is not for a politician to enforce his/her personal moral views on the matter.

Commonsense should prevail and Senator Barnett’s motion should be rejected emphatically.

ends

• Troeth April Newsletter
• Guy Barnett Disallowance Motion