Opened the debate
O'Brien supported the bill, arguing it fulfills Australia's obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child by protecting the right to life and health for all children. O'Brien cited data indicating that hundreds of babies are born alive following late-term abortions annually, with survival rates varying significantly. O'Brien highlighted that in some jurisdictions, clinical guidelines permit withholding life-sustaining treatment from these infants, unlike in New South Wales and South Australia where statutory duties exist. O'Brien referenced the 1998 death of baby Jessica Jane in the Northern Territory to illustrate the risks of inadequate protocols. O'Brien stated the bill establishes that every child born alive deserves equal care, whether that involves emergency treatment or palliative care, and introduces reporting mechanisms while protecting mothers from prosecution.