UPDATE: From the SMH

As you read this, a 21 year old woman and her 22 year old boyfriend are facing the prospect of jail because they didn’t want to have a baby. I have written about my thoughts on pregnancy termination many times and it is no secret that I am pro choice (not pro-abortion because I contest that such a thing doesn’t exist).

Like so many women and men, I am appalled at the stance the Queensland Government has taken in relation to a young couple who have been charged. This charge comes under a draconian section of criminal law  NOT for importing a prescription substance ( RU486) but for “procuring an abortion”.  Let’s think about that for a moment. This young, frightened couple have been charged with seeking an abortion. Wait, is this 2010? In Australia? You could be forgiven for thinking otherwise, particularly since some of the Queensland abortion law was written in 1899 and has not been ammended since.

Writer, researcher and MM contributor Nina Funnell writes…

There were rallies in support of the Cairns couple held around the country on the weekend, and if you are outraged by this case, you can sign a petition here, 44, 788 people have signed the petition to show their solidarity with the couple.

Okay back to 2010 -what are your thoughts? Should a 21 year old woman go to jail for seven years for choosing not to have a baby?