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Move to decriminalise abortion in NSW

A bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW has been introduced to parliament by Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi.

Abortion would be decriminalised in NSW and women protected from harassment while accessing health clinics, under proposals to be considered by state parliament.

Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi has introduced a bill to parliament that would remove abortion from the Crimes Act and bring the state's laws covering terminations in line with those in Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT.

"Decriminalising abortion is essential," Ms Faruqi said.

"Women and all people choosing to have an abortion as well as their doctors are not criminals and we need to remove the stigma and shame associated with it."

NSW and Queensland are the only states in Australia where abortion is illegal.

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However women in NSW can have their pregnancies terminated if a doctor believes their physical or mental health are at risk.

Ms Faruqi's bill also outlines plans to introduce 150-metre exclusion zones around reproductive health clinics to protect women against harassment, abuse and intimidation by abortion opponents.

The bill comes two months after it was delayed from being introduced to parliament when it was taken off the order or precedence list in the lower house.


1 min read

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Source: AAP



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