Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 2064

❓ A WA parliamentary question probes the introduction of feticide for late-term pregnancy terminations at King Edward Memorial Hospital, focusing on ministerial involvement, justification, and oversight. The Minister's response clarifies the practice's origin and adherence to international guidelines.

AnsweredQoN 2064Legislative Council

Asked

2 April 2019

Member

Hon Nick Goiran

Portfolio

Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the letter sent by the Minister for Health to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs in which it was revealed that in June 2017 King Edward Memorial Hospital introduced the practice of feticide for terminations of pregnancy after 22 weeks, including those for lethal abnormalities, and I ask: (a) what is the name and title of each person the Minister consulted or was briefed by prior to making this decision; (b) further to (a), will you table the documents created recording each consultation or briefing; (c) what was the reason for the decision to implement this measure; (d) is the practice the subject of a written policy, guideline or other document; (e) if yes to (d), will you table that document; (f) is the practice subject to any internal or external review or audit; and (g) if yes to (f), what are those review or audit processes?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

14 May 2019

Responded by

Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Health

Response time

9 days

(a) This was not a decision of the Minister.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) This is a long standing international practice and in line with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (RCOG), Evidence-based Clinical Guideline Number 7.
(d) Yes. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (RCOG), Evidence-based Clinical Guideline Number 7.
(e) Yes, please see tabled paper no.
(f) No. There has been no formal audit to date.
(g) Not applicable.

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