One Nation wants to roll back abortion rights in Australia
Support for Pauline Hanson’s populist party has given fresh impetus to a loose network of activists trying to chip away at reproductive rights
TL;DR
- Anti-abortion activists are increasing efforts to restrict reproductive rights in Australia, mirroring tactics from the US.
- The rise of One Nation has provided momentum to these groups, with politicians like Barnaby Joyce and John Ruddick introducing or supporting restrictive bills.
- Proposed legislation targets late-term abortions, mandates for "born alive" infants, and sex-selective abortions, though the latter is described as rare.
- Nurses and midwives prescribing medical abortions are also facing challenges, with concerns that delays will make procedures harder and more complex.
- Experts and health organizations warn that these incremental measures aim to normalize political debate around abortion and could undermine decades of progress in women's rights.
- The movement is described as coordinated, with activists explicitly looking to historical US measures as a playbook.