Breaking News from the court: Not Guilty!

'I ask you, on behalf of this young couple, to put an end to the nightmare they have had to go through.' Kevin McCreanor, Barrister

This was the plea from Tegan & Sergie's lawyer to the jury debating whether or not to convict them for attempting to have an abortion.

Just hours ago, a jury rejected the case, delivering a verdict of "not guilty". Yet most Australians have no idea that abortion is still a crime in some states due to outdated laws that our politicians have lacked the courage to change. No woman should have to endure a criminal trial, face 7 years imprisonment, or be treated like a criminal in the first place for making a personal decision. But if politicians don't change these laws, abortion will remain a crime.

Already this week, a petition signed by GetUp members has hit 50,000! We can't let Tegan's "nightmare" experience be for nothing. That's why it's time to ask our politicians, via a nationally televised advertising campaign: 'when will you stop treating women like criminals?'

Click here to see our hard-hitting TV ad.



We can change these laws if we act now. Politicians say they agree with overturning archaic laws that classify abortion as a crime, but for decades they've failed to act. With Tegan's verdict guaranteed to result in national headlines, politicians will be forced to make a decision. Journalists all over the country are about to ask them whether they'll change the law, and they're formulating their responses right now.

Lets make sure they know that our television advertising campaign will be huge!

http://www.getup.org.au/campaign/ChangeTheLaw

Just this morning we heard from Queensland sources that a group of extreme conservatives are placing thousands of calls to politicians and talkback radio in an attempt to ensure the law isn't changed. It's up to us to make sure the momentum from this court decision results in these outdated laws being removed from the rule books. That's why it's crucial that we get our message on the airwaves in the next 48 hours.

Our TV ad asks politicians one simple, powerful question - click here to view it now.

We owe it to Tegan - and all the other ordinary women who could be treated like criminals - to make this an issue so large that our politicians have no choice but to abolish these offensive laws.

Together, we can change this,
The GetUp team.

P.S. Campaigners who've been fighting this issue for decades rang us this afternoon to tell us they've never been able to find the money for a national television advertising campaign. With your help, we'll make this powerful ad Australia's first nationally televised campaign supporting the decriminalisation of a woman's right to choose.