Common Ground ?

Too often social policy on abortion, sex education and a raft of related issues are determined with little reference to the grassroots convictions of the majority of the Australian population.

The voice of the people can now be heard thanks to the most comprehensive research on Australian attitudes ever undertaken. This research reveals an extraordinary consensus among Australians about the way these issues should be managed at the level of social policy.

The authors of this book call for a rational civilised debate on the issues. While acknowledging intractable differences, such a debate can advance social policy by building on the vast area of common ground Australians share. The great majority support the need to reduce the number of abortions by non-coercive means, and the rights of women concerning informed consent and better knowledge of and access to alternatives to abortion.