Dr Mark Hobart is a principled and courageous man. Sunshine GP Dr Hobart is being investigated by the Medical Board of Victoria because he would not refer a couple for an abortion.
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Their reason for wanting the abortion? They were not happy with the sex of the child they conceived. It was female.
The couple have not made a complaint about the incident, but in its wisdom the Medical Board has decided it will investigate the actions of Dr Hobart.
This abuse of power was made possible by the previous State Government's Victorian Abortion Law Reform Act,which has removed a doctor's right to conscientious objection to abortion.
This coercive element in regard to conscience within Victoria's abortion legislation is out of step with all other legislatures in Australia.
It is also at variance with the Good Medical Practice Guide of the Australian Medical Council, the code of ethics of the Australian Medical Association and the ethical guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council.
At the time the Act was being debated in the Victorian parliament, a former MP, Mr Evan Thornley, questioned the courage of the male politicians opposing the Act and accused them of pronouncing moral judgments on women. But decisions about abortion are also made by couples.
I wonder if Mr Thornley foresaw that the Act would allow couples to terminate their 19-week-old pregnancies on the basis of gender?
As a result of the investigation of the Medical Board, Dr Hobart faces possible de-registration and loss of his livelihood.
To take a principled stand and risk these outcomes demonstrates courage indeed. I think the Victorian Parliament needs more men like Dr Hobart and less like Evan Thornley.
