The pregnant Somalian refugee who came to Australia for an abortion after being raped is, as we speak, in the process of being deported to Nauru without receiving medical treatment.
Abyan (not her real name), 23, was “grabbed” from her room at the Villawood Detention Centre this morning by the Immigration Department, according to the Refugee Action Coalition.
They claim she has not yet had the termination (a fact confirmed by her lawyer George Newhouse to Buzzfeed News).
Ian Rintoul has absolutely condemned the Immigration Department’s actions.
“This removal to Nauru must be stopped. Abyan has requested to see counsellors and to get advice from doctors to discuss the planned termination of her pregnancy. There has been no counselling and no arrangements to see counsellors or doctors.”
“I sat with Abyan on Tuesday at Villawood where she made it clear that she wanted to see counsellors regarding the termination of her pregnancy. She has been denied the right to seek advice from doctors.”
“Immigration is claiming that Abyan has declined to proceed with the termination, but this has not been confirmed with Abyan herself.”
“This attempt to remove her is the most shocking violation of her rights imaginable. It is a vindictive move by the government against someone who has already suffered months of unnecessary trauma on Nauru.”
He is urging anyone moved by Abyan’s story to call the PM’s office on (02) 6277 7700 or email him at malcolm.turnbull.mp@aph.gov.au.
Mr Newhouse, of Shine Lawyers, told Fairfax that he had instructed her to refer all medical matters to her lawyers, and she had been waiting their instructions before she had the termination.
“We have asked for her to see counsellors and doctors we recommend so she can give informed consent,” he said.
Abyan is now thought to be between 14 and 15 weeks pregnant.
Image: Ian Waldie via Getty Images.
