Australia – COVID-19 vaccine: Archbishop Anthony Fisher condemns Oxford vaccine

Australia’s most powerful Catholic Archbishop has penned a letter warning a COVID vaccine presents an “unacceptable ethical dilemma”.

Samantha Maiden
August 24, 2020

Australia’s most powerful Catholic Archbishop Anthony Fisher has sparked outrage after suggesting the COVID-19 vaccine could create an “ethical dilemma” for Catholics who may refuse to take it because it uses a cell line from an aborted foetus in the 1970s.

The Catholic leader has outlined his “disappointment” in correspondence with Prime Minister Scott Morrison that has sparked fears it could encourage Catholics to refuse to take the vaccine on religious grounds.

Continued: https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/covid19-vaccine-archbishop-anthony-fisher-condemns-oxford-vaccine/news-story/7b94e83a5491b6a76964d9bddfcb495d

Australia – Religious leaders’ ethical concerns of vaccine misplaced, expert says

By Matt Bungard
August 24, 2020

Three of Australia's leading religious voices have written to the Prime Minister with their concerns that the COVID-19 vaccine will be "ethically tainted" by aborted fetal cells.

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher, Anglican Archbishop of Sydney Glenn Davies and Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia Makarios Griniezakis raised concerns about the deal with AstraZeneca that would ensure Australians would be among the first in the world to receive the Oxford University COVID-19 vaccine if human trials are successful.

Continued: https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/religious-leaders-ethical-concerns-of-vaccine-misplaced-expert-says-20200824-p55otg.html

Abortion decriminalized in Sydney after Australian lawmakers overturn 119-year-old law

Abortion decriminalized in Sydney after Australian lawmakers overturn 119-year-old law

By Julia Hollingsworth, CNN
Thu September 26, 2019

(CNN)Abortion has now been decriminalized in almost all of Australia after the country's most populous state voted to overturn a 119-year-old law.

On Thursday, lawmakers in New South Wales -- which is home to Sydney -- voted to pass a bill that decriminalizes abortion and makes terminations available to people who are less than 22 weeks pregnant.

Continued: https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/26/asia/abortion-australia-decriminalized-intl-hnk/

NSW abortion law reform: Uniting Church breaks religious ranks to back decriminalisation

NSW abortion law reform: Uniting Church breaks religious ranks to back decriminalisation
In open letter to MPs ahead of debate on bill, Reverend Simon Hansford says abortion a health and social issue

Lisa Martin
Sun 4 Aug 2019

The Uniting Church has broken ranks with other religious institutions to throw its support behind decriminalising abortion in New South Wales.

NSW is the only Australian state or territory that has neglected to modernise abortion laws.

Last week a private member’s bill co-sponsored by 15 MPs from across the political divide was introduced to state parliament. It was expected to be debated as soon as Tuesday when parliament sits.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/04/nsw-abortion-law-reform-united-church-breaks-religious-ranks-to-back-decriminalisation

Hundreds rally in NSW over abortion bill

Hundreds rally in NSW over abortion bill

By AAP
Jul 31, 2019

Hundreds of supporters of a bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW have descended on state parliament with many holding signs stating "Our body, our choice" and "No uterus, no opinion".

Darelle Duncan was one of those rallying on Wednesday in favour of the Reproductive Healthcare Reform Bill, which she says will give women the right to control their own lives.

Continued: https://www.9news.com.au/national/hundreds-rally-for-nsw-abortion-bill/4217e2a9-1a2f-4feb-9e89-fac45b412523

Abortion bill to be introduced to NSW Parliament delayed after MPs claim they need more time

Abortion bill to be introduced to NSW Parliament delayed after MPs claim they need more time

By state political reporter Ashleigh Raper
July 30, 2019

The introduction of a bill to decriminalise abortion in New South Wales has been delayed, after a number of Liberal MPs raised concerns there wasn't enough time to consider the legislation.

Leader of the House, Andrew Constance, this morning confirmed the bill would be introduced today and debated this week, but by this afternoon that was no longer the case.

Continued: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-30/abortion-bill-introduced-to-nsw-government/11365482

NSW abortion decriminalisation delayed after conservatives resist

NSW abortion decriminalisation delayed after conservatives resist
Bill with cross-party support was due to be introduced on Tuesday, but Coalition conservatives complain it has been rushed

Michael McGowan
Tue 30 Jul 2019

A bill to decriminalise abortion in New South Wales has been delayed by a week after resistance from the conservative wing of the Coalition government.

The historic bill, co-sponsored by 15 MPs from across the political divide, had been due to be introduced into the parliament on Tuesday before being debated this week.

Continued: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/30/nsw-abortion-decriminalisation-delayed-after-conservatives-resist