rmbp, criticising those who argue against access to abortion for others then choose to have one themselves when an unwanted pregnancy happens is not an lack of compassion or understanding.

It is a recognition of massive double standards. Someone who makes that choice is saying they believe the foetus to be a living human child and that because of their circumstances they want the child dead. A very different ethical situation to someone who believes the foetus to be a clump of cells. Same impact on the lump of cells/child but very different ethics by the person making the choice.

The same situation applies to fathers who oppose abortion and then want their child aborted.

I don't think Leslie was speaking about those who change their mind when they are brought face to face with a tough decision, rather about those who excuse themselves while demanding different rules for others.

A classic case of people saying do as I say not as I do.

DavidJS, I can’t see where Abbott tried to use this situation for political mileage, and even if he did, that doesn’t diminish the humanity of his situation.

The man lived 27 years of his life thinking that he had a son, and knowing that he had put his son up for adoption, to be raised by other people. This knowledge surely would never have been too far away from his thoughts and must influenced his understanding of himself. To suddenly find out that this child is not yours must be quite anguishing. It must be a real blow to your self-identity. Not to mention the fact that a relationship he obviously looked back on with fondness turns out to have been a farce. You’ve got to feel sorry for him – regardless of your political views.

Abbott has the right to his views, just as you have the right to yours. Gloating over his misfortune is a bit tacky.

Leslie's Cannold can't achieve greatness in her own right,so next best thing is to elevate her own status by denergrating a public figure who doesn't reflect her philosophy.A very cowardly and tacky attempt to pigeon hole Tony Abbott.

Arjay - Leslie "pigeonholing" Tony Abbott? She doesn't need to, he pigeon holes himself whenever he opens his mouth up about where he stands on his portfolio issues, until it came to his own situation. Of course he is treading warily on his personal issue as he is a politician. It's the only issue in his political career where he has been so carefully politically correct about the people and dilemma involved. Leslie's article was spot on. The issue she raised was pertinent, as health minister, how can he reconcile other peoples issues in black and white, knowing he was in a grey area? Regardless of what he has found out since. I also find it ironic that the whole thing has turned into a bad soap opera re revelations from various parties, "that wanted to respect the parties involved". Quite frankly, there has now been 2 x 1 night stands with a Tony on the side. We can get into the morals of that situation, but the article is about the Health Minister and his portfolio in light of his experience (which he milked like a jersey cow) Let's not get sidetracked like we did in the abortion fizzer!