intersecre

[image: guuleed]

Another International Womens’ Day has come and gone. I can’t help but feel cynicism about the bulk of local ‘celebrations’ that focus on ‘leadership’; I’ve been to them myself. You don’t have to change women to become leaders; its the systems that need to change. But in the meantime the Government can pat itself on the back and tick another ‘good deed’ off its list.

Meanwhile the Catholic church exudes its influence through the federal government hierarchy and Kevid Rudd has failed to do in a year what Obama did in a week – overturn the foreign aid abortion advice ban. The ban stops any foreign aid being used for abortion and family planning advice.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says “Australia has signed up to participate in helping reduce global poverty through the Millennium Development Goals and one of them is specifically about reducing maternal death numbers. We know that this would lead directly to doing that and they’re embarrassed it’s their policy to keep those bans in place.” (from Cassie White -ABC)

Commentary by  Dr Jane on the above post indicates that ‘ Somewhere between 10 and 15% of maternal deaths globally are due to unsafe abortions. This ban doesn’t just affect a doctor’s ability to perform safe abortions. It prevents discussion of what unsafe abortions are, or referral of patients to safe providers (even in cases of rape of minors, and even in countries where abortion is legal). ‘

…and Bruniaz points out that the ban also restricts ‘ giving people and organisations the ability to talk to young girls, women and mothers about their contraceptive options, sexual health, ensuring that families understand the link between chronic maternal health issues and the health of their children’

Meanwhile the Vatican has excommunicated a mother for authorising an abortion for her 9 yr old daughter carrying twins after being raped by the step-father in Brazil. (SMH) along with the doctors who carried it out for fear that the slim girl would not survive carrying the fetuses to term.

Apparently the 23-year-old stepfather who also allegedly sexually abused the girl’s physically handicapped 14-year-old sister was arrested a week ago and faces up to 15 years in prison. However HE won’t be expelled from the church. According tot he church “Although the man allegedly committed ‘a heinous crime … the abortion – the elimination of an innocent life – was more serious’.  RIGHT… OK

We’ve got a long way to go.