AN attempt by a NSW Greens MP Dr Amanda Cohn, to force church-affiliated hospitals and medical staff including midwives and nurses to perform abortions, has failed after amendments to her Private Members Bill were passed in the NSW Legislative Council this week.
According to Lyle Shelton, the national co-ordinator of Family First, who watched the debate on live feed, the amendments appear to have all but gutted the bill.
“It seems pro-life hospitals will now not be forced to perform abortions and pro-life health practititioners will not have to be complicit in them,” Mr Shelton posted on social media.
“These are huge wins. Congratulations is due to Dr Johann Howe for her leadership and the thousands of grassroots people who have engaged this campaign. It seems our voices have been heard.”
The Greens as a political force were dealt a serious blow in the federal election, losing four seats in the House of Representatives including that of Greens leader Adam Bandt.
However, according to the predictions of political commentators, the Greens will still hold the balance of power in the Senate, which will force Labor to implement Greens initiatives in legislation.
