MP revises teen abortion stand

By HELEN TUNNAH

Judith Collins has significantly softened her stance on underage abortions and will not promote a law change making young girls go to court to stop parents being told about their pregnancy.

The National MP says she is "absolutely not" backtracking on her earlier advocacy for parents to know if an underage daughter wants an abortion.

But the changed position over judicial intervention is critical.

Mrs Collins' new proposal will not force pregnant young girls seeking an abortion either to tell their parents or seek a court order protecting their privacy.

That is likely to reduce criticism of her earlier stance as unworkable, and may make it more palatable for MPs, including some within her own caucus, to support a new law.

Since 1977, abortions have been the only medical procedure a young girl can undergo without a parent or guardian being told.

Last year 368 girls aged under 16 had abortions.

The law is being debated as part of the Care of Children Bill, with sponsor David Benson-Pope a strong proponent of the status quo.

Mrs Collins intends to push for a vote on the abortion clause when the bill is debated by Parliament - expected before the end of the year.

She will still promote a new law which is based on a presumption doctors will tell parents if a daughter aged under 16 is seeking an abortion. Parental consent would not be required.

However, if the girl cannot be persuaded to tell a parent or guardian, Mrs Collins is now suggesting that, rather than the matter going to court, a Family Court judge be notified in writing and deemed a "parent" for legal reasons.

A GP would outline to the judge why the girl did not want her parents told.

Mrs Collins told the Herald last night that she was revising her proposals after listening to the "genuine" concerns of critics, including some in the medical profession.

"I'm not at all backing away. I'm trying to move forward."

Mrs Collins said her proposals should still protect girls who might be from violent homes.

While critics of Mrs Collins have said making GPs tell parents about an abortion risks a rise in violence against the girls, or back-street abortions, she has argued against retaining the current system which may let a girl be sent back to an abusive home.

There are medical protocols in place which allow a doctor to alert authorities if abuse or violence is feared but they are not mandatory.

Mrs Collins said while her new position might be criticised by some as "too soft", it would also be more acceptable to others. She intends seeking the Government's support for it, although the eventual debate will involve a conscience vote for MPs from most political parties.

Last night Mr Benson-Pope said Mrs Collins was "trying to save face" with her revised proposals.

"I think that's a nonsense. It's an intrusion into the GP-patient relationship."