Robbie Katter says there is “very little restriction” for Queensland women seeking a safe abortion.
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“There is very little restriction at the moment in Queensland to get an abortion. Access to health care is not difficult,” Mr Katter said.
But Qld Health minister Steven Miles says differently.
“We know there are barriers to access of termination services in Queensland – particularly for women in rural and remote areas,” Mr Miles said.
“Access to safe and high-quality abortion services is a significant women’s health issue.
“The current law has created uncertainty and stigma for both women and health practitioners,” he said.
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Mr Miles said under current law, women in the north west are forced to travel hundreds of kilometres to Townsville or Brisbane to undergo safe surgical termination, after nine weeks gestation.
The Qld Government is pushing to decriminalise abortion by the end of the year.
The proposed laws will make abortion a legal choice up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, allow abortion with approval from two doctors after 22 weeks and establish safe access zones 150m around abortion clinics.
Traeger MP Robbie Katter has vowed to fight to keep abortion a criminal act and will be doing everything he can to lobby other MPs to do the same.
But plenty of our readers think Mr Katter is out of touch.
“It is a women's right to have an abortion,and I am sure they consider all options before going ahead. Is Mr Katter going to pay money to the women he would have use outdated unsafe methods,because as a man he believes he has the right to dictate to women,” Lesley-Ann Peterson wrote.
“Robbie is allowed to have a personal opinion on the matter however he should remember as a MP he is representing a wider audience who don’t support these old aged beliefs. He is only adding to the oppression against women by trying to change something that he will never require nor understand,” Caroline Lucas wrote.
Despite a lot of backlash on social media, Mr Katter believes he is voting for what the electorate wants.
“There has been a high level of correspondence between the community and my offices on this issue of late, the majority of constituents who have been in touch with me so far have been supportive of my position,” Mr Katter said.
“I have made no secret about my position on abortion, this is a core belief shared across the KAP.
“I think that’s ignorant to say I can’t have a view just because I’m a man. I’m also speaking for the rights of the unborn child who doesn’t seem to have any say in this issue,” he said.
Health minister Steven Miles said the new legislation would give women in north west Queensland more options and help the psychological impact of termination.
“The changes will also increase access for women seeking support from medical officers and will give medical officers more capacity to support women in the north west.”
What are the current options for women in north west Queensland?
Tele-abortion
Women who have internet access are able to arrange medications through Marie Stopes international for a medical termination.
This involves a cost, consultation and the medications are send via post. They must be able to have access to a medical services post procedure in case of complications.
Remote communities
Women in communities without a doctor can contact their closest medical service, including Mount Isa Sexual Health Service, women’s health service, GP practices, the Royal Flying Doctor Service or the Emergency Department Mount Isa Hospital.
Travel
Women who need to travel to Brisbane, Rockhampton or Townsville for a surgical abortion after nine weeks may be entitled to travel assistance.
The Mount Isa sexual health service can assist with the travel arrangements.
