Past Programs
Ethics - 2008
Abortion laws
08/09/2008
Abortions are still subject to the Crimes Act in all Australian states and territories except the ACT. The Victorian Parliament could be about to change that, debating an Abortion Law Reform Bill which would legalise abortions. The Victorian decision is expected to become a legal model for other states.
Though supposedly tightly controlled, abortions have been going on for many decades throughout Australia -- justified with physical and mental health reasons. This made abortion one of the most divisive issues in our society.
Should the legislation catch up with reality and legalise abortion and, if yes, under what circumstances?
Euthanasia
26/06/2008
At the moment there are two pieces of legislation before Australian parliaments which would provide a legal framework for euthanasia under very specific circumstances: one in the Victorian parliament and one in the Federal Senate. Apparently around 85 per cent of Victorians favour the right to choose assistance with dying. Is legislation long overdue or the beginning of a slippery moral slope?
Ethical torture
03/03/2008
Recent admissions by the CIA over the use of torture during interrogations, techniques such as 'water boarding', has re-ignited public debate in the US about the acceptability of torture. Legally speaking the use of torture is prohibited, however there's evidence that its use continues across the world. When the stakes are high, can torture be justified? What if information gathered through torture could saves lives?
