Queensland's vote to decriminalise abortion is sparking renewed calls for NSW parliament to do the same.
The Pregnancy Bill was passed last night removing abortion from the Queensland Criminal Code.
Current laws in NSW prevent women from gaining abortions 'on demand' - they must instead undergo lengthy doctor evaluations, without a guarantee of the procedure.
Current laws in NSW prevent women from gaining abortions 'on demand' - they must instead undergo lengthy doctor evaluations, without a guarantee of the procedure.
The sunshine state's changes under the Termination of Pregnancy Bill will allow abortions to be requested at up to 22 weeks gestation.
The Bill will also establish safe access zones of 150 metres around the clinics to shield women from harassment.
NSW is currently the only Australian state where abortion remains illegal.
Newcastle health law expert, Catherine Henry believes there are many misconceptions still surrounding abortion.
"Most people don't realise that women and doctors performing abortion can be charged with a criminal offence, and that can, in fact, lead to a term of imprisonment," Ms Henry said.
"NSW is well behind every state in the country," she continued, "as of last night, we are the only state, to have this very old-fashioned legislation introduced in the 1860s."
Source: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/nsw-government-defends-victoria-s-safe-access-zones-in-high-court-20180530-p4zich.html
