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.”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
