Coalition MPs Play Politics with Compassion on Stillbirth Leave
A proposed new law aimed at providing paid parental leave for parents of stillborn or deceased children has been marred by Coalition parliamentarians "playing politics" over the issue, including Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Hastie. The lawmakers have sparked outrage among medical experts and advocacy groups after questioning whether parents who undergo late-term abortions should be eligible for the leave.
Terminations of pregnancy after 20 weeks are already rare, with only one percent occurring at this stage, according to Professor Kirsten Black of the University of Sydney. However, those who do experience such procedures often face immense distress and loss, regardless of whether they intended to become parents.
"This is not about a culture war," said Labor MP Jerome Laxale, arguing that the bill aims to "fix a loophole in a law identified by her grieving parents." Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston reiterated this point, stating that the Coalition remains committed to supporting the bill.
However, Joyce and Hastie's comments have raised concerns among medical experts, who argue that fearmongering about late-term abortions is unwarranted. Dr Nisha Khot, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Ranzcog), described their remarks as "terrible, cynical, awful" and urged parliamentarians to debate the legislation with "empathy and respect for the facts."
The issue has been compared to the US tactics used by anti-abortion advocates, who seek to chip away at reproductive rights by exploiting emotive issues. Prudence Flowers, a Flinders University senior lecturer, noted that this strategy is often referred to as the "thin edge of the wedge" – a tactic aimed at generating disgust and revulsion towards abortion in order to erode support.
The debate over Priya's law highlights the need for politicians to separate fact from emotion when discussing sensitive issues like reproductive rights. By doing so, they can foster a more constructive conversation that prioritizes compassion and understanding over ideological agendas.
A proposed new law aimed at providing paid parental leave for parents of stillborn or deceased children has been marred by Coalition parliamentarians "playing politics" over the issue, including Barnaby Joyce and Andrew Hastie. The lawmakers have sparked outrage among medical experts and advocacy groups after questioning whether parents who undergo late-term abortions should be eligible for the leave.
Terminations of pregnancy after 20 weeks are already rare, with only one percent occurring at this stage, according to Professor Kirsten Black of the University of Sydney. However, those who do experience such procedures often face immense distress and loss, regardless of whether they intended to become parents.
"This is not about a culture war," said Labor MP Jerome Laxale, arguing that the bill aims to "fix a loophole in a law identified by her grieving parents." Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston reiterated this point, stating that the Coalition remains committed to supporting the bill.
However, Joyce and Hastie's comments have raised concerns among medical experts, who argue that fearmongering about late-term abortions is unwarranted. Dr Nisha Khot, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (Ranzcog), described their remarks as "terrible, cynical, awful" and urged parliamentarians to debate the legislation with "empathy and respect for the facts."
The issue has been compared to the US tactics used by anti-abortion advocates, who seek to chip away at reproductive rights by exploiting emotive issues. Prudence Flowers, a Flinders University senior lecturer, noted that this strategy is often referred to as the "thin edge of the wedge" – a tactic aimed at generating disgust and revulsion towards abortion in order to erode support.
The debate over Priya's law highlights the need for politicians to separate fact from emotion when discussing sensitive issues like reproductive rights. By doing so, they can foster a more constructive conversation that prioritizes compassion and understanding over ideological agendas.
ugh, what is wrong with some ppl? they're playing politics w/ something as sad & traumatic as stillbirth leave 
can't believe Barnaby Joyce & Andrew Hastie are trying to stir up controversy like this. it's just a law aimed at supporting parents going through one of the darkest moments of their lives 
instead of having an open & honest discussion, they're using fear-mongering tactics to chip away at reproductive rights 
newsflash: abortions after 20 weeks are super rare, but that doesn't mean ppl shouldn't have access to support if they need it 
these Coalition MPs are literally playing politics with people's lives 
It's not about being pro or anti-choice it's about showing some basic human compassion 
and the Coalition is really failing on that front. The thing is, stillbirths are super rare, like only 1% of pregnancies end in termination after 20 weeks 
but even those who do face immense emotional pain 
and this bill could literally make a difference to their lives 
. Can't we just focus on supporting families, not exploiting emotions for political gain? 
its not about a culture war, its about givin parents of stillborn kids the support they deserve! 
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. It's about compassion and understanding – not politics or ideologies 
, rather than trying to win an argument or gain points 
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. We need politicians who are willing to have tough conversations in a respectful manner, not ones who try to score points by exploiting people's emotions. Come on, guys! Let's get this bill passed and provide some much-needed support for families who've lost their babies 
It's not about culture war or whatever it is they're saying, it's just basic human decency. Can't we just focus on helping people in need without all the drama and division?