In Australia, many families face heartbreaking decisions when confronting fatal fetal abnormalities. These are deeply personal circumstances that are often compounded with immense physical and emotional strain. For these families, the necessity of a late-term abortion is not a choice made lightly, but one wrought out of medical necessity and compassionate consideration for their unborn child.

The current proposal by Sarah Games to make abortions illegal after 25 weeks, except to "save the mother's life," places an unfair and traumatic burden on families who are already experiencing unparalleled distress. This bill fails to recognize the diverse and legitimate medical reasons that may necessitate termination beyond 25 weeks, which include physical health complications and severe mental health risks to the pregnant person. The premise of the bill oversimplifies complex medical situations into a binary choice, ignoring the layered decisions that families must make with their healthcare providers.

According to the World Health Organization, the prevention of unsafe abortions hinges on access to safe, legal, and comprehensive reproductive health care. Limiting legal access to abortion services only forces individuals to seek unsafe alternatives, potentially risking their health and lives in the process. Furthermore, data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare suggest that restrictive abortion laws do not decrease the number of abortions performed, but rather make them more dangerous.

By voting "NO" on this bill, South Australian legislative council members can take a stand to protect the health and rights of their constituents. This action is not only about safeguarding the health of those involved but ensuring respect for personal and informed medical decisions made intricately with healthcare professionals.

We urge the South Australian legislative council to recognize the complexities of late-term abortion and the need to support families and individuals in these challenging moments. Please help us protect the reproductive rights and health of South Australians by signing this petition. Together, let's speak up for compassionate healthcare policies and urge our council members to reject this harmful proposal.