The parliament of the Australian state of Victoria has struck down a bill compelling all hospitals that receive state funding to provide access to abortion services and voluntary assisted dying.
If the bill had passed, it would have compelled all hospitals, including those associated with religious organisations, to provide the said procedures to inquiring patients.
The bill was introduced by MP Fiona Patten from the Reason Party (previously known as the Australian Sex Party), which supports legalised abortion, gay rights, and voluntary euthanasia.
Patten forced a vote on the bill in the Victorian parliament on Aug. 17 following failed negotiations with the Labor government….