History
In 2005, Senator Stott Despoja introduced the Transparent Advertising and Notification of Pregnancy Counselling Services Bill which sought to: prohibit misleading and deceptive advertising and notification of pregnancy counselling services; promote transparency and full choice in the notification and advertising of pregnancy counselling services; improve public health; and minimise the difficulties associated with obtaining advice to deal with unplanned pregnancy.
On May 10 2006, the Senate Selection of Bills committee agreed to examine Senator Stott Despoja's Private Member's Bill to address the lack of regulation of pregnancy counselling in Australia.
The Senate Committee which examined Senator Stott Despoja’s Private Member’s Bill tabled its report on 17 August 2006. Three members of the Senate inquiry were in support of the bill (Senators Adams, Moore and Stott Despoja), and three opposed it (Senators Humphries, Barnett and Polley). Because the Chair used his casting vote, this later group were able to call themselves a "Majority". A copy of the final report can be found by clicking here.
The Bill – reintroduced as a cross-party Senators' Bill (co-sponsored by senators Carol Brown, Judith Troeth and Kerry Nettle) in December 2006 – ensures that pregnancy counselling services declare what services they provide, so women seeking advice on whether to continue a pregnancy are aware of whether the organisation is pro-choice or anti-choice.
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