Abortion can be decriminalized and termination of pregnancy can become a new medical procedure according to new proposed laws.
The Reproductive Healthcare Reform Bill 2019, a bill for private members, will be introduced to the NSW Parliament this week by independent MP Alex Greenwich.
The bill states that a woman does not commit a criminal offense if she carries out a termination within the framework of the legislation and would change the offenses.
Abortion rights could be decriminalized according to proposed laws in New South Wales after the law was made a criminal offense in the 1900 legislation
The Reproductive Healthcare Reform Bill 2019, a bill for private members, will be introduced to parliament this week by the independent parliamentarian for Sydney, Alex Greenwich (photo)
Upon request, it would allow termination for women up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
After this period, termination is permitted if two doctors believe it should be performed in light of future physical, social, and psychological conditions.
The bill would also create a new offense under the Crimes Act for those who assist in terminations who are not authorized to do so – with a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
& # 39; The bill ensures that women in NSW have access to safe and legal terminations without the threat of criminal convictions and offers doctors the legal clarity that they have been looking for for a long time & # 39 ;, Greenwich said in a statement on Sunday.
Based on laws in Queensland and Victoria, the bill also has the support of the Australian Medical Association NSW.
It was developed by a cross-party working group, including the National Trevor Khan and Labor Penny Sharpe and Jo Haylen, under the supervision of Health Minister Brad Hazzard.
Mr. Hazzard said Sunday that doctors should make decisions based on court interpretations about what the law allows, what & # 39; always leaves the possibility open & # 39; that the doctor or woman can be sentenced under the Crimes Act.
Women should have the & # 39; absolute clarity of black and white legislation & # 39; around the issue as they do in some other states and territories, he told reporters in Sydney.
The bill states that a woman does not commit a criminal offense if she carries out a termination within the framework of the legislation and would change the offenses
& # 39; To think that maybe someone is in a doctor's office today, possibly tomorrow, and will be told that & # 39; your decision is not a health decision, it is not your decision, it is actually something that you could accuse of criminal prosecution & # 39; is just wrong, & said Mr. Hazzard.
& # 39; I believe it is time to be respectful in the debate, but also to recognize that it is time for change. & # 39;
Although there are & # 39; people with very strong opinions & # 39; Mr. Hazzard says that he is certain that this & # 39; careful and respectful & # 39; will be expressed.
& # 39; Personally, people may not support abortion or termination, that may be their decision. But what this bill does is that others have the right to get their termination, regardless of the opinion of others in a health framework. & # 39;
He believes that there will be a vote of conscience about the bill and hopes that it will get the approval of parliament.
Based on laws in Queensland and Victoria, the bill also has the support of the Australian Medical Association NSW
The AMA said that NSW was the last state in Australia to decriminalize abortion, leaving women and doctors under a & # 39; different and stigmatized legal arrangement vis-à-vis other states & # 39; were placed.
The bill "reflects the common law rights that currently exist, while the stigma and legal uncertainty associated with abortion is included in the Crimes Act", said AMA NSW in a statement.
The NSW Pro-Choice Alliance said it was a & long way & # 39; Has been.
& # 39; Most noticeable for women with unintended pregnancies, but also for the health, legal, political and women's services who have fought long and hard to destroy this law in recent decades, & # 39; said the president of the alliance Wendy McCarthy in a statement.
Greens MP Jenny Leong congratulated those who had insisted on the reform.
& # 39; It's time for women to have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. It is time for abortion legislation reform, & Mrs. Leong said in a statement.
The AMA said that NSW was the last state in Australia to decriminalize abortion, placing women and doctors under a different and stigmatized legal arrangement vis-à-vis other states
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