Fed: Church and women begin battle over IVF

AAP General News (Australia)
04-30-2001
Fed: Church and women begin battle over IVF

A key women's rights group will today begin its fight to stop the Catholic Church's
crusade against IVF treatment for single women and lesbians.

The Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference is challenging last year's Federal Court
decision to overturn Victorian laws banning single women and lesbians from using IVF treatment.

It has taken its appeal to the High Court in Canberra, and the Women's Electoral Lobby
will today ask the court for permission to be heard in the matter.

Lobby convenor LISA SOLOMON says the group will question the legitimacy of the church's
involvement, and ask to be its chief opponent if the case goes ahead.

She says this is important from women's perspective, because it will be setting the
agenda for whether the Catholic Church is actually a legitimate party in this matter.

Ms SOLOMON says a church victory will set a dangerous precedent.

AAP RTV jb/daw/rsm

KEYWORD: IVF (CANBERRA)

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