State Government, Health - Abortion Bill Introduced
A bill that would advanced Women's Reproductive Rights by decriminalizing abortions has finally been introduced in the New South Wales parliament.
"The law surrounding terminations is no longer fit for purpose and need to be modernised," said Sydney MP Alex Greenwich of the Reproductive Healthcare Reform Bill 2019. As long as the medical procedure is in the criminal code, it creates "fear and stigma for women wanting an abortion and reluctance by health practitioners to provide services," he said.
"The threat of prosecution of women and health care professionals is real," continued Mr. Greenwich. "As recently as August 2017, a Blacktown mother of five was prosecuted for self-administering a drug to cause a miscarriage."
The bill has the backing of Premier Gladys Berejiklian and a number of members of cabinet including Health Minister Brad Hazzard, but could face push-back from social conservatives.