Should abortion be removed from the Crimes Act in New South Wales?
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right: On August 1, 2019, Nine News televised a report that the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill, which would decriminalise abortion in New South Wales, had been introduced into the state parliament.What they said...
'In an area such as abortion, where views are deeply held around the starting point of human life, it is a gross violation of doctors' human rights to force them to act against their conscience'
Professor Joanna Howe and Professor Suzanne Le Mire of the University of Adelaide Law School
'Ensuring women have access to safe and legal terminations is vital to protecting their health, welfare and control over their bodies and their lives'
Independent MP Alex Greenwich who introduced the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill into the lower house of the New South Wales parliament
The issue at a glance
On September 7, 2019, the New South Wales Liberal state council voted down a motion to condemn the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill. The Bill was introduced into the state parliament a month before in a bid to decriminalise abortion in New South Wales. It has become the centre of controversy within and outside the government. This has temporarily defused the issue which is threatening the government’s two-seat majority in the lower house, with two government members threatening to cross the floor if amendments are not made.
The Bill has provoked opposition from conservative media outlets, Catholic, Anglican and Jewish church leaders, and pro-life advocates. It has been supported by a Pro-Choice Alliance of 60 health, legal, and community and women’s rights organisations including doctors and nurses across the state.
The Bill was passed in the New South Wales State Parliament's Lower House, on August 9, 2019, following two weeks of debate. Members of Parliament were granted a conscience vote on the Bill. Titled the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill it was introduced as a private members bill by independent Alex Greenwich. The Bill aims to remove abortion from the Crimes Act and define it as a medical procedure in its own legislation. The Bill was passed with 59 in favour and 31 against.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Opposition Leader Jodi McKay supported it. Seven Liberal ministers voted against it, including Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman and Planning Minister Rob Stokes.
The proposed legislation still needs to pass the state's Upper House. The Bill is being considered by a Legislative Council. The inquiry has attracted 13,000 submissions, causing state parliament's web portal to temporarily crash.