The issue of women’s reproductive rights has infiltrated national politics, exposing a division within the coalition. Opposition Indigenous Affairs spokesperson Jacinta Nampijinpa Price called for a national discussion on abortion following a narrow defeat of a vote to restrict access in South Australia.

Issue Emerges in Queensland Elections

Reproductive rights have also emerged as a significant issue in the upcoming Queensland elections, thanks in part to support from the Katter Australian Party. On Wednesday, senior coalition members were questioned about this issue after Senator Price stated to Nine newspapers that she believes late-term abortions, occurring after the first trimester, should be discussed.

Coalition’s Stance on Reproductive Rights

Coalition finance spokesperson Jane Hume stated that there are no plans at the federal level to “overturn women’s reproductive rights in Australia.” She emphasized that the coalition government, led by Dutton, has no plans, policies, or interest in abolishing these rights, noting that it is an issue raised by fringe parties in state elections.

However, it is not solely a fringe issue in Queensland, as Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli repeatedly dodged inquiries about his views on abortion and whether he would support a vote on KAP’s bill. During the final leaders’ debate before the state elections on Saturday, Mr. Crisafulli firmly answered “yes” when asked if he supports a woman’s right to choose.

Divergent Opinions Within the Coalition

Similarly, Opposition Leader Susan Ley stated that the coalition “has no intention of changing settings from a federal health perspective.” However, Coalition infrastructure spokesperson Bridget McKenzie took a more ambiguous line, describing abortion as a “moral dilemma” and refusing to clarify whether she believes it should be on the national agenda. McKenzie mentioned that her colleague Senator Price has “strong views on this issue.”

She remarked, “It is a matter for state and territory governments. That is where it lies within our legal framework.” McKenzie added, “I think it is a moral dilemma that in this country we seek to save the lives of premature babies in some cases and not in others. This is a complex moral dilemma. But I am not in the business of judging people’s decisions.”

McKenzie has previously voted in favor of a private bill that would intervene federally in abortion matters. Later on Tuesday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton stated that he does not believe “this is a discussion that sways votes one way or another.”