Abortion emerges as prominent topic in WA election

Abortion rights has emerged as a prominent topic in the upcoming WA election, with Liberal leader Libby Mettam evading questions on one of her candidate's views on women's reproductive rights.

Amanda-Sue Markham, a Liberal candidate running for the Legislative Council, publicly opposed the decriminalisation of abortion in Tasmania in 2013. 

Markham also made headlines during the 2021 WA state election when she was banned from discussing homosexuality, after her husband said gay men could be "cleansed" and "healed". 

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Mettam would not comment on Markham's stance on a woman's right to choose.

"Roger Cook will do anything to distract you from his Government's failings," she said when asked about Markham's views. 

Labor seized the opportunity to capitalise on the issue, announcing plans to establish a dedicated abortion facility in Cockburn if re-elected. 

"This centre is expected to facilitate about 4,500  terminations a year," Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.