Ban On Abortion-linked Aid Unjustified: Oxfam

The Age

Tuesday June 10, 2008

Michelle Grattan, Political Editor Canberra

THE chief of Oxfam, one of Australia's major foreign aid organisations, has pleaded with the Rudd Government to drop the ban on official Australian aid funding abortion advice to women.

Executive director Andrew Hewett said the ban had been the result of a "shabby political deal" between the Howard government and former independent senator Brian Harradine and had no justification in terms of development.

"We'd urge very strongly that it should be thrown out," he told The Age. "It undermines the rights and health of women in developing countries."

If these women had information and services relating to abortion, their health and wellbeing would improve, he said.

Mr Hewett said Oxfam's management team would talk today about the issue, which is being examined by a caucus sub-committee. Oxfam, which operates in 30 countries, would make its views known to key caucus members.

A cross-party parliamentary group last year recommended the ban be lifted. Removing the ban does not require legislation, only a decision by Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith.

The Coalition's acting health spokeswoman, Margaret May, who was on the cross-party group, stressing she was giving a personal view, said the ban should be overturned. "It's very important that it is," she said.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the caucus sub-committee had been formed by self-selection and all interested members would have an opportunity to put forward their views.

© 2008 The Age

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