A jury in far north Queensland has acquitted Tegan Leach, 21, and Sergie Brennan, 22, of crimes related to abortion. Leach was tried for "procuring her own miscarriage" and Brennan for supplying drugs to procure an abortion. Apparently they used drugs including the "morning after pill", RU486 to terminate Ms Leach's pregnancy.
The acquittal is very welcome, though of course this young couple was put through the harsh processes of the criminal justice system before the outcome was reached. However, the Queensland government and opposition have stated that they have no intention of amending the law. As a result, others can be prosecuted in similar circumstances ... even if juries refuse to convict. This is an unsatisfactory situation, and we should all do what we can to support the campaign to repeal current laws that criminalise abortion in Queensland.
Meanwhile, for what it's worth, congratulations to Tegan Leach and Sergie Brennan for getting through this process that they should never have had to face in the first place.
About Me
- Russell Blackford
- Australian philosopher, literary critic, legal scholar, and professional writer. Based in Newcastle, NSW. My latest books are THE TYRANNY OF OPINION: CONFORMITY AND THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM (2019); AT THE DAWN OF A GREAT TRANSITION: THE QUESTION OF RADICAL ENHANCEMENT (2021); and HOW WE BECAME POST-LIBERAL: THE RISE AND FALL OF TOLERATION (2024).
2 comments:
Not just Queensland, Russell. NSW too. :(
What does it say about the political process when there is overwhelming support for changing the law but no political will?
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