Thursday, April 30, 2009

Legal Abortions on New South Wales Agenda

Doctors, law reformers and politicians are joining forces to de-criminalise abortion in New South Wales state in Australia. NSW Attorney-General Mr John Hatzistergos issued a statement on 8 March confirming the Government's reluctance to change laws that make abortion a crime in some circumstances.

After a long public campaign, the abortion law in Victoria state was amended in November 2008. Abortion is now available on demand until 24-weeks gestation in that state. Greens MP Ms Lee Rhiannon said change would be tougher in NSW because of the number of social conservatives in power. Ms Rhiannon said abortion remained a serious criminal offence in NSW, attracting a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

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