It is time to bring Victorian laws up to date, to reflect community attitudes; not those of a vocal and determined minority.

All studies of Australia’s attitudes to termination of an unwanted pregnancy show that only 10 per cent of the population are opposed to abortion, 80 per cent agree with a woman’s right to choose for herself and 10 per cent are undecided (ANU Survey 2004), so politicians should honestly reflect their electorate’s opinion, not their own personal view.

As 95 per cent of all terminations are performed in early pregnancy, the arguments against late abortions are less relevant and each case is decided on its own merit.

It is pathetic to hear the emotional opinions of some politicians who state “life begins at conception”, when this is a matter of opinion not fact, nor a legal definition.

The anti-abortion lobby should accept the majority of Australians do not agree with their opposition to abortion and that the law must change to reflect the majority view.

Women should be allowed to choose for themselves what is best for them.

— DR PIETER MOURIK,

Wodonga