Women's Electoral Lobby (Australia) Inc. representing the interests of Australian women in maintaining the right to choose
WEL supports the well-established ethical principle that decisions ought to be made by those most affected by them. Presently in Australia, it is doctors who control the decision about pregnancy termination. WEL rejects the view that society must somehow be protected from women's actions by making the medical profession or the judiciary responsible for such decisions. On the contrary, WEL asserts that women are perfectly capable of making morally sound decisions and that research indicates the best outcome is achieved if women are in control of the decision about pregnancy termination.
WEL sees the issue of abortion in the context of women's health. WEL agrees with the World Health Organisation definition that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease of infirmity. To meet this definition of health for women, WEL asserts that:
In order to achieve the above definition of health for women, WEL believes that:
Women will decide whether or not to continue their pregnancies in the light of their own religious and/or moral values. It is appropriate they do so. People who are opposed to abortion regardless of circumstances are entitled to their view. They have no right to impose that view on others, however.
The right of choice is fundamental to a democratic society. The right of choice assumes the control of one's body. Without it a woman becomes subject to the beliefs and demands of others. It is a basic right of a woman to choose when and if she will bear a child.
Equality is impossible without control of fertility. There is no perfect contraceptive. For some women, it is not easily available; for some it is a health hazard; for some it is too expensive; for some the chosen method fails.
WEL therefore affirms that:
While demanding the right of access to safe, legal abortion, WEL acknowledges that:
Page created 01 October 1996; last updated 21 June 1999