Abortion Controversy
New US abortion legislation has met with strong opinions from all sides.
OUSU has joined the NUS in expressing fears over the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, but even many who support other forms of abortion have welcomed the move.
Partial birth abortion is commonly carried out on women who are between six and eight months pregnant. It involves the partial removal of the foetus, so that it can be destroyed inside the womb before being safely removed.
President Bush argues that the Act will put an end to a "terrible form of violence directed against children who are inches from birth."
But there is strong opposition to the ban from campaigners who believe that women should have the right to choose, and that the Act makes no provision for medical emergencies.
The act has been condemned by Catherine Wallis, OUSU Vice-President for Women. She told The OxStu that "under the guise of protecting children from violence, something with which we all agree, Bush snatches the right to choose away from women."
13th Nov 2003