Vic MP Pushes for Religious Hospitals to be Forced to Perform Abortions and Euthanasia
Victorian MP Fiona Patten is pushing a new bill that aims to take away the rights of publicly funded hospitals with religious affiliations to refuse to perform abortions and euthanasia.
The state’s current laws allow women to access an abortion up to 24 weeks into their pregnancy. Abortions can still be performed after 24 weeks as long as a second doctor is consulted and agrees that the termination can go ahead. The state’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 came into effect on June 19, 2019. However, under the current legislation, hospitals that receive public funds are not required to perform abortions or euthanasia.
Religious Ethos Not Allowed
Ms Patten, who is the founder and leader of the Reason Party (formerly the Australian Sex Party), has claimed that “the health system is mistreating those who fund it” in cases where hospitals refuse to provide these services due to conscientious objections. She said that while:
“religion is a blessing to many amid the mysteries and vagaries of existence… imposed religious faith has no place in the public health system.”
Her new ‘Health Legislation Amendment (Conscientious Objection) Bill’ states that:
“A denominational hospital must not direct or otherwise cause a registered health practitioner… to refuse to provide mandatory advice and services on the basis of a conscientious objection.”
However, the bill would still permit individual workers within publicly funded hospitals to exercise conscientious objection.
This comes only a few months after former Liberal MP Bernie Finn was kicked out of the state Liberal Party for expressing his pro-life views in a Facebook post in which he celebrated the impending overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States.
There are now only three sitting weeks remaining before the state election in November.
___
Originally published at Family Life International. Photo by Mart Production.
Recent Articles:
24 October 2026
3.3 MINS
When we ask God, "What is in my hand?", and see our possessions, money and time as seed that God asks us to sow, life becomes simpler.
23 October 2026
6.8 MINS
Hillsong UNITED’s Joel Houston reflects on fame, faith and the burden of ministry, questioning performative Christianity as he seeks a more authentic walk with God.
23 October 2026
13.1 MINS
Tasmania’s proposed conversion practices legislation raises serious questions about religious freedom, pastoral care and whether Christians can freely pray with those seeking to live according to their faith.
23 October 2026
7.7 MINS
Melbourne Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli has spoken out clearly against the deadly promises by both major parties in Victoria ahead of the election, drawing a comparison between abortion and capital punishment.
23 October 2026
3.1 MINS
The one who is worthy of it all is awakening his Church to be captivated by him, so that we will honour one another and share his gospel with humility and courage.
22 October 2026
2.9 MINS
Victoria Labor’s promise to fund free abortions has drawn a forceful response from Presbyterian leaders, raising profound questions about unborn life, government priorities and Australia’s moral direction.
22 October 2026
4.7 MINS
Western Australia’s proposed anti-discrimination overhaul has sparked warnings from Christian leaders that religious freedom, parental choice and faith-based schools’ ability to uphold their beliefs are at risk.
