SA abortion debate delayed after Remembrance Day controversy
Parliament will delay debate on abortion laws until after November 11 following claims its timing was “disrespectful”
SA News
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A plan to debate changes to the state’s abortion laws has been postponed until in respect of Remembrance Day.
Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink says speeches on the Termination of Pregnancy Bill will be made in the Upper House Thursday.
It came after RSL State President Cheryl Cates, Liberal MLC Nicola Centofanti and Labor MLC Claire Scriven urged Ms Lensink to reschedule the November 11 debate because it was “inappropriate” and “disrespectful” to debate such an issue on a day meant for honouring and remembering Australia’s fallen soldiers.
The Government introduced the Termination of Pregnancy Bill into parliament in October in a bid to decriminalise abortion.
Currently, it is an offence to perform abortions in SA under certain conditions, such as without the approval of two doctors or outside a prescribed hospital.
The Bill would allow terminations to be performed on women less than 22 weeks and six days’ pregnant with the approval of just one doctor, instead of two.
The Bill will be dealt with as a conscience vote.
