The South Australian Parliament’s Lower House has passed legislation to decriminalise abortion, making it the last Australian state to do so.
With a vote of 29 to 15 Friday morning, the Lower House passed legislation that outlines abortion be moved from a criminal act to healthcare legislation, legally deeming it a health issue.
Currently, women in SA can only have legal abortions if two medical officials approve the procedure, and they can be criminally prosecuted if they disobey this law.
Under the Termination of Pregnancy Bill, the approval of medical practitioners is only necessary in late-term abortions, defined as 22 weeks and six days.
The new bill allows late-term procedures if the medical officials agree the abortion is necessary to save the life of the foetus or the mother, or in cases of risk to mental state or physicality.
SA Deputy Premier Vickie Chapman, a proponent of the legislation, spoke in parliament on the bill’s behalf.
“This is about giving women choice. It’s about removing outdated barriers to access for women, while ensuring safeguarding measures are in place where necessary,” Chapman said on Twitter.
“This is an historic day for the women of South Australia.”
The legislation has passed through the Lower House, but is yet to appear before the state’s Upper House.
More to come.
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