Submissions Called For

If you live in Victoria, here is another chance to give some pro-family and pro-life input into a public inquiry.

TheVictorian Law Reform Commission has issued a consultation paper and is asking for comments. The paper, "Assisted Reproduction and Adoption: Should the Current Eligibility Criteria in Victoria be Changed?" can be viewed at their web site, or ordered (see details below).

The paper looks to have a predetermined outcome in mind. For example, there is a chapter on what is a family. It seeks to argue that families come in all shapes and sizes, and anyone should have access to Assisted Reproductive Technologies, IVF, etc. (The next issue of the Update will look at the agenda behind the paper in more detail.)

Thus it is imperative that pro-life and pro-family folk also put in as many submissions as possible.

The report can be found on the VLRC site: http://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au

You can read the paper online, and print it off if you like. But it is 162 pages long, so it might be wiser to ask for a free copy. In fact, ask for two, and give one to a friend! You can contact the VLRC at these addresses:

Victorian Law Reform Commission

Level 10, 10-16 Queen Street

Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia

GPO Box 4637

Melbourne Victoria 3001 Australia

DX 144, Melbourne Victoria

Telephone: + 61 3 8619 8619

Freecall: 1300 666 555 (within Victoria)

TTY: 1300 666 557 Facsimile: + 61 3 8619 8600

Email: law.reform@lawreform.vic.gov.au

Internet: www.lawreform.vic.gov.au

We have until June 30, 2004 to put in our submissions. And they will even take telephone submissions. Even a paragraph will do. For example, remind these folk that the original Victorian legislation of the mid 1980s said IVF and ART was only for married and infertile Victorian couples. That has been broadened since then, but we need to hold the line, and warn of the dangers of redefining the family and giving Big Biotech free reign.