Women's Electoral Lobby (Australia) Inc. representing the interests of Australian women in maintaining the right to choose
On October 19 1996, CES settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. From WEL's point of view, this is possibly the best resolution. The effect of the settlement is that the case will lapse, leaving the majority ruling of the NSW Court of Appeal upholding the current law in place. Therefore, abortion is still legal in both NSW and Victoria if the birth of the child in the doctor's opinion would cause the woman risk to her health.
WEL is currently in the process of returning all cheques and pledges, less a proportion of the sum already expended on the campaign.
The WEL National Management Committee would like to extend its sincere thanks to all those women who gave so generously of whatever they had at their disposal: including their funds, time and enthusiasm. Particular thanks must be extended to Jo Wainer for her indefatigable work, long hours and informed position on the issue.
WEL is now attempting to develop a proactive plan for the future to head off any threats to the right to abortion and to extend some of our hard won gains. See Inkwel 1996/4 article for further information.
The Women's Electoral Lobby has established a fighting fund to pay for legal expenses in having WEL represented in High Court proceedings which relate to current legislation on abortion. The Catholic Bishops are asking the High Court to find that there is no such thing as a lawful abortion in Australia and that the foetus has full legal personhood.
This is the greatest threat to access to lawful abortion Australian women have ever experienced. Please support this fund now. Costs have already been incurred in the preparation of WEL's application to the High Court.You may send a cheque now, made payable to WEL Abortion Fighting Fund, and/or pledge an amount to be called in at a later date.
Please print out and post this form.
Name/Organisation: __________________________ Address: ____________________________________ _____________________________________________ Postcode: __________________ Phone: _____________________ Fax: _______________________ Amount enclosed: (please circle) $1000 $500 $250 $100 Other (specify)$ Amount pledged: (please circle) $1000 $500 $250 $100 Other (specify)$ Signed: ______________________________
Send this form, together with your cheque if you are contributing now, to:
Women's Electoral Lobby (Victoria) Inc.
9/10 Queen Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
A receipt for your donation will be issued to the name and address given on this form.
Thank you for your support for WEL's action to protect women's reproductive rights.
Page created 02 October 1996; last updated 21 June 1999