Treasurer, PM divide on abortion pillThe Age (
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/02/15/1139890785885.html)
February 15, 2006 - 3:15PM
Treasurer Peter Costello has told of how he personally faced the issue of abortion, as he backed moves to strip Health Minister Tony Abbott of his control over abortion drug RU486.
MPs have resumed debate in the lower house on a private members' bill that will hand Mr Abbott's current power of approval over the contentious drug to medical experts at the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
While declaring his support for the bill, Mr Costello spoke of how he was faced with the option of abortion 18 years ago when his wife Tanya, who was pregnant at the time, lay unconscious in hospital.
"I think it is common knowledge that when my wife Tanya was pregnant and unconscious in hospital, some 18 years ago, I was faced with this terrible situation," he told parliament.
"I was advised by expert medical opinion that the pregnancy was complicating the medication she would need to survive - she was unconscious.
'Awful choice'"I was faced with the choice, an awful choice. But the choice I made was to continue both the treatment and the pregnancy.
"By the grace of God, both survived.
"I have no doubt that the law should not have prevented such a choice - that the law should allow a choice, whether physical or mental health of the woman is at risk."
Mr Costello said he backed moves for the TGA to be handed control over the drug.
"I will be supporting this bill," he said.
"But making it clear that the sovereignty of parliament is such that at any stage if the registration or use (of RU486) should go outside the understandings that we've been given, parliament as sovereign has the right to intervene both as to the procedure and matters following from it.
"In those circumstances, I believe the matter can go to the therapeutic goods agency and I will support the bill as it stands."
PM's hintsMr Costello's stand contrasts with the view of Prime Minister John Howard, who has hinted he will be voting against the bill.
"I am a great believer in the principle of parliamentary sovereignty and in keeping parliamentary officials accountable and of giving them the capacity to make the decisions for which they are held accountable," Mr Costello said.
"But I believe this is what we are doing here as a sovereign parliament, we are taking the decision here and now in a way for which we are accountable for a procedure that will apply to an application to register RU486 if one should be made.
"The fact that the parliament through legislation delegates a decision does not lessen its power or its accountability, provided that the parliament retains the right to withdraw that delegation or to overturn the decision of the delegate."
He also said his support for the bill was not a reflection on Mr Abbott's capacity as health minister.
"What we should be doing is thinking of a process that will have integrity, under ministers of different views, and inevitably, under ministers of different parties," Mr Costello said.
"The minister for health, the current minister, is a dear friend of mine.
"I do not consider the amendments of this bill to in any way represent a rebuff to him or his competence, any more than the decision to give the interest-rate setting function to the Reserve Bank of Australia was a rebuff to my ministerial capacity."
The treasurer said it must be remembered that the bill was not about the legality or morality of abortion, but even so, many could not help but relate their own personal stories to the debate.
"Our personal experiences colour our outlook on this most personal of issues," Mr Costello said.
He said despite his decision to support the bill, his views on abortion remained the same - termination should be the last resort.
- AAP
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