
1. “It’s time for change.” A bill to decriminalise abortion will be introduced to NSW parliament this week.
A private members bill which could see abortions decriminalised and regulated as a medical procedure in NSW will be introduced to parliament this week.
Currently abortions in the state are dealt with under the Crimes Act 1900.
The Reproductive Healthcare Reform Bill 2019 will be introduced by independent MP for Sydney, Alex Greenwich.
Under the bill, a woman would not commit an offence if she procures a termination within the framework provided.
It would also repeal provisions of the Crimes Act relating to abortions and common law offences relating to abortion.
The bill would allow for terminations for women up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, and after this time if two doctors believe it should be performed considering medical, physical, social and psychological circumstances.
It would also create a new criminal offence under the Crimes Act for those who assist in terminations who are not authorised to do so – attracting a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment.
“The bill ensures women in NSW have access to safe and lawful terminations without the threat of criminal convictions and provides doctors with the legal clarity they have long sought,” Mr Greenwich said on Sunday.
Based on laws in Queensland and Victoria, the bill is supported by the Australian Medical Association NSW and the NSW Pro-Choice Alliance.
It was developed by a cross-party working group with the oversight of Health Minister Brad Hazzard.