BrisbaneCouple

Foetal homicide laws in Queensland need immediate strengthening, according to advocacy group FamilyVoice Australia.

A couple and their unborn child were allegedly hit and killed by a driver while out walking on Australia Day in Brisbane last month resulting in a triple fatality.

While a 17-year old teenager is facing charges over the deaths of Matthew Philip Field and his partner Katherine Jane Leadbetter in the tragic incident, QLD Police Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd has confirmed that no charges will be laid with respect to their unborn child due to legal advice. 

“This is a direct contravention of Section 313* of the Queensland Criminal Code which includes an offence of killing an unborn child,” said Greg Bondar, NSW/ACT State Director.

"The law is quite clear and anyone who prevents a child from being born alive by any act or omission - excluding legal abortions - would face life in jail. The advice from the Queensland Law Reform Commission to Queensland Police is flawed and only appeases the pro-abortion lobby", said Mr Bondar.

This tragic incident also highlights the need for NSW parliament to adopt foetal laws that protect the unborn.

*Queensland introduced specific foetal homicide laws in 1997.