Senior Liberal women have voiced their profound dismay and horror after Coalition colleagues launched a fresh assault on abortion rights, exposing deep divisions within the party over reproductive healthcare.
The controversy erupted when Coalition MPs made inflammatory comments suggesting abortion should be removed from Medicare and comparing terminations to "murder," sparking immediate backlash from within their own ranks.
Internal Party Rift Exposed
Prominent Liberal women including former ministers and sitting MPs have expressed their alarm at the comments, describing them as out of step with community standards and harmful to women's healthcare access.
One senior Liberal woman, speaking anonymously, revealed the depth of frustration within the party: "We are sick of having to fight these battles again and again. It's exhausting and damaging to our credibility with female voters."
Dutton Faces Leadership Test
The comments present a significant challenge for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who has sought to moderate the party's image on women's issues following the 2022 election defeat. The controversy threatens to undermine his efforts to make the Coalition more appealing to female voters.
Several Liberal MPs have publicly distanced themselves from the remarks, emphasising that abortion access is settled law in most Australian states and should not be subject to ongoing political debate.
Healthcare Professionals React
Medical groups have condemned the politicians' intervention, warning that restricting abortion access would disproportionately affect vulnerable women and could lead to dangerous outcomes.
"Politicians should not be making medical decisions for women," said one healthcare advocate. "These are deeply personal choices that belong between a woman and her doctor."
Political Fallout Continues
The incident has reignited debate about the Coalition's stance on women's rights and reproductive healthcare, with critics arguing the party needs to modernise its approach to retain relevance with contemporary voters.
As the internal tensions simmer, many are watching to see how party leadership will address the growing discontent among its female members and the broader political implications for the Coalition's electoral prospects.
