7am How abortion is weaponised in the courts
Jun 17, 2025
Madison Griffiths, a writer and producer with a decade of experience in reproductive rights, discusses the troubling weaponization of abortion in Australian courts. She reveals how past abortions are used against women in custody battles, challenging their credibility and affecting their rights. Griffiths highlights the ethical dilemmas healthcare professionals face regarding personal medical histories and calls for legal reforms to protect women's privacy. The podcast emphasizes the ongoing stigma surrounding abortion and its implications for women's autonomy.
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Abortion Records Used Against Louisa
- Madison Griffiths found Louisa's abortion records were used as evidence in her custody battle.
- These records surfaced via subpoenaed medical records and were explicitly mentioned in court.
Abortion Used To Question Honesty
- Abortion history was questioned by the independent children's lawyer, not just the ex-husband's lawyer.
- It was used to cast doubt on Louisa's honesty and paint her negatively during custody proceedings.
Judgmental Psychiatrist's Abortion Views
- A psychiatrist's affidavit about Louisa's abortions included judgmental and unfounded assumptions about guilt and regret.
- This reflects persistent stigma and prejudice present even in professional legal assessments.