By Raquel Mustillo
MEMBER for MacKillop Nick McBride’s support for overhauling the state’s abortion laws has resulted in growing disquiet within the conservative electorate, with a Christian advocacy body urging constituents to reconsider their vote ahead of the 2022 state election.
Around 70 people attended meetings in Mount Gambier and Naracoorte hosted by the Australian Christian Lobby to discuss the Termination of Pregnancy Bill, which was passed in parliament last month.
Mr McBride was among the 29 parliamentarians and one of the only country MPs who voted to overhaul the state’s abortion laws. But Australian Christian Lobby South Australian director Christoper Brohier slammed the MacKillop MP for “knowingly voting against the wishes of his electorate”.
“The Hansard, which records everything that was said, records McBride stood up towards the end of debate and said ‘I am pro-choice, but my electorate is pro-life’,” he said.
“He knew what he was doing.”
Mr Brohier conceded although the bill was “always going to pass” the state’s lower house, the advocacy body had lobbied to ensure significant amendments were made to the original bill, including outlawing sex selection abortion, changes to conscientious objection provisions and require provision of information about counselling.
He said two amendments moved by Environment Minister David Speirs centred on tightening provisions for late-term abortions were also rejected by Mr McBride, but commended Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell for voting in support of the changes.
“It’s not just that we can vote every four years, we have to be involved and let the members know what we really think and what they do will affect how we vote for them,” Mr Brohier said.
“If you don’t like what they do on this fundamental issue, you can vote them out and you should.
“I know there is a huge amount of anger in country seats and there’s talk of running independent candidates.
“What I want to encourage you to do is join with people in MacKillop to hold McBride accountable because he voted against it.
“Why should you give your allegiance to the Liberal Party?”
In a letter to constituents opposing the bill, Mr McBride said he had carefully listened to the electorates views, as well as the current law, evidence, research and advice.
Mr McBride said late-term abortion was principle concern, but backed the bill because of inclusions which, in addition to professional medical standards, will restrict the potential for later term terminations to occur.
“Late term abortions would only happen in limited circumstances, and only if agreed by two medical practitioners,” he said.
“The agreement by two medical practitioners is important as they are responsible for assessing all relevant health and well-being matters associated with a termination.”
Mr McBride said he had discussed the bill with health professionals and said in rare circumstances, serious foetal anomalies can be detected late in a pregnancy.
“Pregnancies presented late may also be associated with drug use, incest, and mental conditions such as psychosis which, if not managed, could result in harm to both the mother and the foetus,” he said.
“These are extreme examples, but illustrate that decision making in relation to a termination is complex and requires the guidance and support of a professional medical team.”
