Queensland's parliament Legalizes abortion in a historic vote

The March Together for Choice rally in Brisbane ahead of proposed changes to Queensland's abortion laws.

The March Together for Choice rally in Brisbane ahead of proposed changes to Queensland's abortion laws. Source: AAP

News Bulletin of the morning


 Queensland women will now be able to have an abortion without risking criminal prosecution after laws decriminalizing terminations passed state parliament.

 Under the changes, abortion will be removed from the criminal code and made a health issue, allowing women to terminate pregnancies up to 22 weeks' gestation.             

Terminations after 22 weeks will be allowed with the approval of two independent doctors.                  

The changes also establish safe zones around clinics and medical facilities offering the procedure to prevent staff and patients being harassed by anti-abortion activists.

 The laws passed in a conscience vote, 51 in favor to 41 against.

 Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says it is a historic moment for the state.

 New South Wales will now be the only Australian state or territory where abortion remains a criminal offence.

 Listen to the full news bulletin in Arabic. 

 


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