Tell your MP to vote down harmful amendments

Tell your MP to vote down harmful amendments

Lower House MPs have started debating the bill to decriminalise abortion in SA - and it's expected to be put a vote tonight!

Right now the Bill provides for compassionate and accessible abortion care - and it has the backing of expert legal, health and community organisations. But several MPs have announced their plan to introduce amendments that would restrict access and hurt patients. 

Even MPs that support reform are indicating they will consider amendments, so each amendment could come down to the wire.  Many MPs have spoken about listening to their community in determining their vote; or doing what the ...

Lower House MPs have started debating the bill to decriminalise abortion in SA - and it's expected to be put a vote tonight!

Right now the Bill provides for compassionate and accessible abortion care - and it has the backing of expert legal, health and community organisations. But several MPs have announced their plan to introduce amendments that would restrict access and hurt patients. 

Even MPs that support reform are indicating they will consider amendments, so each amendment could come down to the wire.  Many MPs have spoken about listening to their community in determining their vote; or doing what the public want. 

Before they vote, can you let your MP know you want them to oppose these amendments and support the bill as it stands?

(You can find a detailed breakdown on the individual amendments here)

 

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URGENT: Call to block harmful amendments

We know MPs tend to pay particular attention when someone makes the time and effort to raise an issue with them over the phone or in person. Can you take a few minutes to phone your MP to let them know you want them to vote down harmful amendments?

Never made a call before? No worries, it's a simple process. You just need to leave a message with the member of staff that answers the phone. We've provided a draft script for you below.

Here are some talking points to help you prepare your message (remember that the staffer will relay your message, and may not necessarily share the position of the MP they work for, so remember to be polite and respectful): 

  • Ring ring - A staffer will answer the phone, or you’ll get the answering machine.

  • Introduce yourself - share your name and where you live 

  • Explain the reason for your call - that you wanted to urge your MP to vote ‘no’ to ...

Here are some talking points to help you prepare your message (remember that the staffer will relay your message, and may not necessarily share the position of the MP they work for, so remember to be polite and respectful): 

  • Ring ring - A staffer will answer the phone, or you’ll get the answering machine.

  • Introduce yourself - share your name and where you live 

  • Explain the reason for your call - that you wanted to urge your MP to vote ‘no’ to proposed amendments to the Termination of Pregnancy Bill.

  • Let them know that you are concerned about amendments, and mention some specifics - e.g. I know there are particular parts of the bill that are being discussed for amendments, and wanted to mention:

    • I support the current bill’s approach to abortion care later in pregnancy. I know patients who need care at this point can be facing a broad range of deeply distressing and complicated circumstances - and don’t think laws should  increase the barriers and hurdles they’re forced to jump through to access care they need. 

    • I support the Bill as it currently stands on the issue of conscientious objection. I think that a health practitioners personal beliefs shouldn’t be allowed to obstruct a patient’s access to the abortion care they need.

    • I share the concerns of migrant communities and communities of colour that the amendment to ban sex-selective abortion will lead to racial profiling and healthcare discrimination - facilitating discrimination rather than addressing it.

    • I oppose any requirement that every patient be offered counselling

  • Ask how your MP intends to vote on amendments. 

    • (If they say they will vote no to amendments thank them for being a champion on this issue, if they haven’t decided yet say that you care strongly about this issue and hope they’ll vote down amendments. If they say they will be supporting these amendments let them know how disappointed you are in their stance.) 

  • Ask the staffer to pass on your message to the MP - And thank them for their time.

Make your call count, tell us how it went

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