A current concern in Australia is the deceitful practice of anti-abortion activists setting up taxpayer-funded "pregnancy counselling" services; instead of providing unbiased information, they pressure women not to have an abortion, including frightening them with lies about the risks involved. Women who have contacted such services describe themselves as "misled, manipulated, and unsupported" - some have been called "murderers" and "baby killers". The result can be pregnancies terminated later rather than earlier - a result no-one wants. The Democrats have introduced a Bill to require such services to disclose their real nature. This would leave pro-life services free to support women who choose to continue their pregnancies.
The Senate Committee's report on the Bill, written in plain language and considering all points of view, is well worth a read (a highlight: the hilarious arguments put forward by the Festival of Light). The Committee did not recommend the Bill's passage - disturbingly, partly because such deceptive services might act as a barrier to women seeking abortions. Also disturbingly, the Committee's head, Senator Gary Humphries, received a $30,000 donation from Right to Life to assist his election campaign.
The Dems' Web site has more info on "false providers".
The Senate Committee's report on the Bill, written in plain language and considering all points of view, is well worth a read (a highlight: the hilarious arguments put forward by the Festival of Light). The Committee did not recommend the Bill's passage - disturbingly, partly because such deceptive services might act as a barrier to women seeking abortions. Also disturbingly, the Committee's head, Senator Gary Humphries, received a $30,000 donation from Right to Life to assist his election campaign.
The Dems' Web site has more info on "false providers".