Fed: Costello skips on leadership talk after pill speech

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2006
Fed: Costello skips on leadership talk after pill speech

CANBERRA, Feb 16 AAP - Treasurer Peter Costello has denied that an emotion charged
speech he made during debate on abortion pill RU486 was a play for the Liberal leadership.

Mr Costello, in supporting the bill, told parliament yesterday how he was faced with
the option of abortion 18 years ago when his wife Tanya, who was pregnant, was unconscious
in hospital.

"I think it is common knowledge that when my wife Tanya was pregnant and unconscious
in hospital, some 18 years ago, I was faced with this terrible situation," he told parliament.

He said he had been advised the pregnancy was complicating the medication she would
need to survive and he was faced with the "awful choice" of having to decide on termination,
but had instead decided to continue both the treatment and the pregnancy.

"I have no doubt that the law should not have prevented such a choice - that the law
should allow a choice, whether physical or mental health of the woman is at risk," he
said.

Mr Costello said today he made the statements to lay bare his views on the pill to
his Victorian electorate.

Asked if the speech could be viewed as an opportunity to reveal himself as the new
leader to update and rejuvenate an ageing government, Mr Costello told ABC Radio: "No.

This is a conscience vote, there are no party positions, there are no fixed party directives".

"The reason I spoke in the debate is because I have to vote.

"My constituents are entitled to know what I think."

Mr Costello said the debate had been mature despite Health Minister Tony Abbott yesterday
equating abortion with murder.

"Actually, I think the whole debate has been very mature debate and I think it has
been interesting because people have taken very sincere positions.

"Can I say in relation to the health minister and this is in no way a rebuff to Tony
... parliament puts in place procedures, if those procedures work and bring advantage
then that's a good decision.

"If they don't, parliament can always change them, can take them away."

The lower house will vote today on whether to hand powers of veto over RU486 from the
health minister to the Therapeutic Goods Administarion. The bill passed the Senate last
week.

AAP jcg/jt/sd

KEYWORD: ABORTION COSTELLO

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