Most South Australians support decriminalisation of abortion, according to Flinders University study

The majority of South Australians want women to be able to access abortion without specific criteria – and to be protected in safe zones around clinics.

More than 75 per cent of South Australians say abortion should be decriminalised and instead regulated under health law, a new survey has revealed.

Of the 1012 people surveyed by Flinders University, 79 per cent said the controversial procedure should be made accessible to women without the need to meet specific criteria.

Flinders University epidemiologist and report author Dr Monica Cations said the results were “proof in the pudding” the State Government’s attitude towards abortion was outdated.

“We think there’s really no excuse now, the Government and members of parliament have no excuse but to listen to the public and get on with catching up to the rest of Australia,” she said.

“Women are not doing anything wrong so there’s no need for these services to be under criminal law. We’re really hoping (leaders) pay attention to these results and recognise this is what the community wants.”

In SA, abortions must take place in a prescribed hospital. There are about 80 legally stipulated to provide the procedure, but only about 12 do.

Only three in metropolitan Adelaide provide early abortion medication.

Dr Cations said SA’s abortion services were some of the best in the world, but that “people are shocked” to find out the procedure was managed under criminal law.

She said because of that women were forced to jump barriers to receive care.

“You have to have your abortion in an approved centre, which means women in rural and remote communities have to travel a long way to access abortions,” she said. “You have to be living in the state for more than two months.”

The survey – the first of its kind with only SA respondents – also found 88 per cent of people supported safe access zones around abortion clinics to protect patient privacy.

On Wednesday, State Parliament will debate the safety zone Bill aimed at banning anti-abortion campaigners from protesting near abortion clinics.

Safe access zone laws have been upheld by the High Court of Australia and enacted in every state and territory except SA and Western Australia.

Originally published as Most South Australians support decriminalisation of abortion, according to Flinders University study