Tuesday, March 15, 2011

F calls for the decriminalisation of abortion in NSW  

In NSW Abortion remains under the Crimes Act 1900. A woman can only legally procure an abortion if her doctor believes that an abortion is necessary to protect her from serious danger to her life or her physical or mental health; though NSW case law allows for doctors to consider economic and social reasons along with medical grounds. Under these outdated laws a women can face criminal charges for procuring an abortion, that can carry a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment. Her partner and her doctor can also face criminal charges.


Any change to the criminal status of Abortions in NSW, is likely to be a conscience vote; where members of parliament vote in accordance with their own conscience rather than voting in line with their party's policy. In the lead up to the State Election, F is canvasing how candidates in select marginal electorates would vote in the instance of such a conscience vote. We will keep you informed regarding the results.

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