‘This needs to happen’: Mothers plead for law change after death of unborn babies
Two mothers, who lost their babies in devastating car crashes, are pleading with state politicians to reform laws and recognise the lives of unborn children.
Brodie Donegan lost her baby girl, Zoe, on Christmas Day in 2009 when a drug-affected driver smashed into her.
Brodie was 32-weeks pregnant at the time and despite the best efforts of emergency services, her little baby couldn’t be saved.
The driver was charged for the injuries Brodie sustained, but baby Zoe was listed in with her mother’s injuries.
Legislation known as Zoe’s Law was introduced to change that, to recognise the life of the unborn baby.
It failed to pass in parliament twice and will be introduced for a third time, with amendments.
The latest changes make it clear that women seeking an abortion, and medical professionals who perform them, won’t be charged.
Brodie tells Ray Hadley politicians need to debate the issue.
“It’s simply so important because… it’s a pregnancy that you’ve wanted, you’re looking forward to this child, and something that is either a criminal or violent act takes that wanted child from you,” she says.
“This needs to happen. They need to allow the debate.”
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Jacqueline Sparks was 32-weeks pregnant when a driver high on ice slammed into the vehicle she was travelling in.
Her little baby Mia died as a result of the crash.
She tells Ray the amendments to Zoe’s Law eliminate any grey areas that have caused concern in the past.
“It’s time to sit down, really look at the way it’s been amended, and agree on it.”
Ray is appealing to our political leaders to “do the right thing”.
“Premier Gladys Berejiklian, opposition leader Michael Daley, I spoke recently to Julia Gillard, who as prime minister decided there would be a royal commission into the abuse of children.
“That was a defining moment in her political career. You can have a defining moment here, both of you, with a bi-partisan approach to a very important matter.
“For goodness sake, two of you, please, please, please, do the right thing.”