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  • Union fears LNP govt would remove abortion rights

    Author: AAP

A Queensland union says a Liberal National Party government would strip women of abortion rights and reproductive healthcare options.

But Opposition Leader David Crisafulli has ruled out reviewing the legislation in the first term of his government if elected.

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Queensland Unions general secretary Jacqueline King said history showed the LNP did not support abortion rights given it voted against the decriminalisation bill in 2018 and went to the 2020 election pledging a review of the laws.

"Queensland women do not want to become the next Roe versus Wade story of diminished healthcare rights off the back of a conservative government who does not support fundamental healthcare such as abortion," she said on Friday.

"This is a fundamental human rights issue, vital to generations of future Queensland women and girls."

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The union has launched a petition to Mr Crisafulli demanding a commitment for his party to keep free and equal access to termination of pregnancy services and abortion drugs if elected.

Union members will rally in Brisbane on Friday for the cause.

It comes as some candidates have been revealed as anti-abortion including former senator Amanda Stoker running for Oodgeroo, who has attended anti-abortion rallies, and Susanna Damianopoulos in Springwood.

A now-defunct website called The Cause Australia revealed posts from Ms Damianopoulos in 2008 organising an anti-abortion rally.

"(The government) are keen to make abortion mills 'more palatable' to the general public by promoting breast screening, pap smears etc; after all, who would want to close down a women's health centre," her post read.

In 2016 during the state inquiry into abortion law reform, Ms Damianopoulos made a submission opposing decriminalisation.

"I adamantly oppose this bill that put women's lives at risk. Also, if a baby can be medically viable from 23/24weeks how can we justify aborting 'clumps of tissue' up to full term? ," she wrote.

"I vote no to abortion."

Ms Damianopoulos indicated that she still does not agree with abortion but confirmed she would follow the party line that a review would not be carried out in the first term of government.

"I have my own views, but I respect the views of others," she told reporters on Thursday.

"Our leader David Crisafulli has been very clear on what the first term LNP government will do in that space, and I respect his views," she said.

Mr Crisafulli has previously confirmed that a review of abortion laws is not the LNP's plan if elected on October 26.

"We've said it's not part of our plan," he told Channel 10.

However, Queensland Unions members do not believe the LNP will stick to their word and keep abortion rights if elected.

"Our members are telling us they are genuinely fearful that the LNP ... may be the new leaders and decision-makers when it comes to vitally important issues like healthcare and abortion rights," Ms King said.

AAP has requested comment from Mr Crisafulli's office on the Queensland Unions' claims.

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