PR: Collins - Judith Collins pleased with poll

Wed, 29 Sep 2004

Judith Collins MP National Party Families Spokeswoman

29 September 2004

Judith Collins pleased with poll result

National Party Families spokeswoman Judith Collins is pleased with the result of a new poll that shows seven out of ten New Zealanders support her bid to ensure parents were told if their underage daughter sought an abortion.

"I think this is a vote for common sense and for families. This framework's worked well elsewhere, it can work in New Zealand too."

Ms Collins is seeking to amend the Care of Children Bill, making parental notification mandatory for abortions where the girl is under the age of sixteen. The girl would still be able to object to parental notification by way of a judicial bypass.

"In jurisdictions where parental notification is mandatory, not only have teenage abortions fallen but so too have teenage pregnancies.

"After seeing the support among the public for this change, I do hope the Prime Minister now allows her MPs to cast a true conscience vote, given the controversy courted by civil unions and prostitution law reform.

"Helen Clark's opposition to this law change is disappointing. The results of today's poll on the subject shows just how seriously out of touch her Government is with parents and families.

"I envisage a system where, when approached by a young girl seeking an abortion and objecting to parental notification, a medical practitioner telephones the district court to arrange an appointment for the girl to see a judge in chambers within 24-hours.

"In cases of incest or sexual abuse it is imperative that the police and CYF are informed and involved. The current law allows abused children to be sent straight back into abusive environments, allowing child sex abusers to get away with their heinous crimes.

"The threat of illegal or back-street abortions arising from this is just plain scaremongering," says Ms Collins.

ENDS

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