NSW Could Decriminalise Abortion As Early As Today
The historic bill has been backed by 15 MPs
- by
Grace Back
Fifteen MPS have decided to co-sponsor a bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW, a historic move that has never been done in the state's lower house. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and several ministers have confirmed they will support the bill.
The proposed bill could be introduced to Parliament as early as Tuesday, July 30, with the proposed legislation excising abortion from New South Wales' 119-year-old criminal code to create a standalone healthcare act to regulate the procedure.
The bill would allow abortion on request for women up to 22 weeks' gestation performed by a registered doctor. Women beyond 22 weeks would need the consent of two doctors.
NSW is the only state in Australia that has not decriminalised abortion.
"NSW is the last state to decriminalise abortion and all members of the Liberals and Nationals will be given a conscience vote on this issue," Ms Premier Berejiklian said. "I'd encourage all members of the Parliament to look at the legislation, as I will be doing, to make sure they're comfortable with it and decide either way how they feel about it."
Grace Back
Grace Back is a journalist and was formerly the Digital Culture Editor across ELLE and marie claire Australia. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.
