Law could redefine life

A PRIVATE Members’ Bill which could alter the legal definition of when life begins, is set for debate in the NSW Legislative Assembly next week.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall wants to hear the community’s views on the Crimes Amendment Bill, known as Zoe’s Law.
The bill was named in honour of the unborn child of Brodie Donegan, who was hit by a drug-affected driver on Christmas Day in 2009. As a result of the accident Zoe was stillborn.
Mr Marshall said the Bill, if passed, would enable a person to be charged with grievous bodily harm if they cause the destruction or harm of a foetus at 20 weeks of age or 400 grams.
Mr Marshall said it was a very important bill and any changes to the current law could have huge implications.
“The bill raises complex issues, including questions regarding the legal concept of a person and the ramifications that will flow from any changes to that,” Mr Marshall said.
“Currently, personhood is assumed at birth, the amendment bill will alter this significantly,” Mr Marshall said
MPs will exercise a conscious vote on the bill.
“What concerns me about the bill in its current form are the possible unintended consequences and whether it will become a vehicle for the anti-abortion agenda,” Mr Marshall said.
Members will debate the Bill again next Thursday.