A pregnant 12-year-old has been forced to go through the Supreme Court for permission to have an abortion.
In a judgment published on Tuesday, the court ordered for the girl, known as Q, could go ahead with an abortion for her own mental and physical health.
Justice Duncan McMeekin questioned the continued illegality of abortion in Queensland and agreed the child, who had previously self harmed, was mature enough to grant consent to the termination.
In a ruling made last Wednesday, Justice McMeekin allowed the abortion to go ahead.
Earlier this year, Q had run away from home, had attempted suicide and had been finding pregnancy "very stressful emotionally", she said in an affidavit.
Her mother told the court there was "a very real risk of self harm and or suicidal behaviour if her pregnancy was to continue".
Justice McMeekin agreed, saying an abortion with one of two drugs - Mifepristone and Misoprostol - was clearly in the best interests of the girl, who was nine-weeks pregnant.
"It is necessary to do so in order to avoid danger to her mental and physical health," he stated.
The 12-year-old first went to her GP to seek permission for an abortion about a month ago and had since seen a social worker several times, two specialist obstetricians, and a psychiatrist.
Q, her mother, father and various medical practitioners were all in agreement that an abortion was the best course of action.
The baby's father, who was about the same age, was unaware of the pregnancy, according to the court.
Justice McMeekin said the first reason for the court's intervention was to judge whether or not the girl was mature enough to give her consent to the termination.
He wrote that until a child was considered "mature", their parents could give permission for most procedures but for abortion parental consent was "arguably not sufficient".
"I was principally concerned that it was her own view that she expressed, not a view that she felt she ought to hold because of any perception of pressure from others," he wrote.
"I am satisfied that Q has reached her own independent view of what she thinks is the best decision to take."
Mr McMeekin noted the continued illegality of abortion in Queensland also had a bearing on the case but said an exception for cases where the mother's health was in danger applied to this case.
In a very similar decision in 2008, Justice Margaret Wilson allowed a 12-year-old who was 18 weeks pregnant to have an abortion in what was believed to be the first time the Supreme Court had been asked to consider the termination of a minor's pregnancy with a drug.
Justice McMeekin relied heavily on her analysis in his reasoning.
So /pol/ why shouldn't the 12 year old have an abortion?
>>72179735
Damn.
Australian Ambassador Kiwi Karl does not approve.
Of the abortion, that is. He thinks 12 year olds getting pregnant is alright, mate. But abortion is for cunts.
>>72179912
Because she's a stupid bitch who broke the rules. Breaking the rules have consequences. If she isn't punished now she will go on to think it's ok.
abortion is murder
it's only ok if the girl or father is non-white
>>72180123
>12 year olds getting pregnant is alright
Tell me more. Can i enjoy the company of a 10 year old in aussie country?
>>72180269
>children are punishment
theres that strain of puritanism we all love in merika
>>72179735
So an innocent life is ended due to an idiotic slut's mistakes and ensure her survival because obviously she is such a benefit to society. I hope she enjoys Hell.
>>72180472
the girl has been harming herself, forcing her to bring it to term could have resulted in an attempt at suicide
and what would happen to the baby? you want a 12 year old to raise a baby? or maybe put it in foster care, that'll go well I'm sure.
>>72180760
>12 year old
>idiotic slut
>12 year old
>not a benefit to society
>>72179735
Sounds like she needs both the abortion and a psychiatrist. No way is this situation normal or healthy.
>>72180681
Nah m9 gotta check the Philippines for dat ass. Then probably should kys for being a sick fuck.
