The Abortion Divide: What’s at Stake in Victoria’s Election?

Victoria’s election campaign has taken a disturbing turn, with Opposition Leader Jess Wilson facing scrutiny over her party’s stance on abortion laws. In an effort to defuse a scare campaign orchestrated by the ALP, Wilson declared that her government would not change existing laws providing access to terminations at any stage of pregnancy.

However, this assertion raises more questions than answers. What exactly does “will not change” mean in practice? Does it imply a promise to maintain the status quo, or is it simply a vague commitment to uphold current regulations? The ambiguity is concerning, especially considering the Coalition’s history on reproductive rights.

The controversy surrounding Wilson’s leadership on abortion mirrors a wider pattern in Australian politics. In 2024, Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) leader David Crisafulli was embroiled in a similar controversy over his stance on abortion laws. Despite repeatedly insisting he had no plans to change the regulations, the issue dogged him throughout the campaign.

The role of One Nation in this debate cannot be overstated. As an explicitly pro-life party, its influence on any potential Coalition government would be significant. While Wilson has ruled out forming a coalition with One Nation, she left open the possibility of relying on Pauline Hanson’s party for confidence and supply. This creates an uncomfortable dynamic, where the interests of pro-choice Victorians are at risk of being compromised.

Pamela Anderson, chief executive of Emily’s List, has expressed “genuine concerns” that Wilson may not have sufficient support within her party room to maintain current laws. Given the Liberal Party’s history of caving in to One Nation on key policy issues, this assessment is hardly far-fetched.

The uncertain make-up of Victoria’s next parliament means that women cannot feel secure about their abortion rights, regardless of who governs. As a pro-choice Labor MP noted, “Both political parties have conservative rumps with different views on this.” This creates an environment where reproductive rights are constantly at risk.

In South Australia, a Family First bill restricting abortions after 25 weeks gestation passed the upper house in 2024, despite being defeated in the lower house. This experience serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of complacency.

As Victoria heads towards an election that promises to be as contentious as ever, one thing is clear: the stakes are high for reproductive rights. The outcome will depend on how effectively pro-choice advocates can mobilize public opinion and push for policies that safeguard women’s access to safe abortion.