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Salient. Official Newspaper of Victoria University of Wellington Students Association. Vol 40 No. 23. September 12 1977

Why is the Committee so powerful?

Why is the Committee so powerful?

It is to issue licences to all institutions, including public hospitals, where abortions may be performed. These licences will be issued only when the Committee is satisfied that there is a need for an (or another) institution in the area. How such a need be decided? By the number of women travelling miles to have an abortion? Or by the incidence of illegal abortions in the area? Or by the number of women whose pregnancy becomes so tar advanced while they waiting that termination is impossible?

Every institution must apply and pay for a renewal of its licence every year. The Committee can cancel or refuse to renew a licence if it believes that the holder has failed to take all reasonable and practical steps to ensure that the provisions of the law are complied with. The onus is then on the licensee to prove the Committee is wrong—guilty unless you can prove you are innocent. Appeals are only allowed against decisions which are erroneous in law.