Sydney, Australia, Feb 14, 2006 / 22:00 pm
A story has developed these days in Australian, linking the debate on the legalization of the Abortion pill and the current rate of abortion in the country, with the fear of an Islamisation of the country. The assumption is based on merely demographic facts raised by an Australian law-maker.
The issue was raised by Dana Vale, an Australian lawmaker, who has set off a storm after comments tackling two subjects many consider taboo. The member of Prime Minister John Howard's ruling coalition, told a press conference that Australians were "aborting ourselves almost out of existence."
Vale linked the concern with worries about the growth of Australia's Muslim community. "I'm talking about the ramifications it actually has for the community and the nation we'll become in the future."
Vale and three other female lawmakers were addressing the media on their opposition to a bill on the RU486 abortion pill which has triggered emotional debate in parliament and the media. If passed, the measure is expected to make it easier for women to get hold of the controversial drug, which is now effectively banned.