Late-term abortion faces challenge in parliament

Controversy over late-term abortion procedures could see last minute changes to SA’s historic reform effort.

Anti-abortion protesters at the Walk For Life March in the city earlier this month. Picture: Mike Burton

South Australia’s historic abortion law reforms will face challenges over using late-term procedures during a parliamentary debate starting this week.

The Termination of Pregnancy Bill proposed by Attorney-General Vickie Chapman is due to be debated in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, with MPs set to resist calls to pass the legislation without changes.

Premier Steven Marshall said he will be “waiting to see what the final Bill looks like” before making a decision on how to vote – but again declared his support for decriminalising abortion.

“As I’ve said on the record previously – I do not believe that abortion should be a criminal act and it’s important we have laws in place to regulate abortion like the rest of the country does,” he said.

The Advertiser understands Mr Marshall has nominated David Speirs to draft amendments that would attract support from a majority of the Liberal party room.

It is also understood that Mr Speirs, the Environment and Water Minister, has been negotiating changes to the Bill with senior Labor frontbencher Tom Koutsantonis, a Labor Right powerbroker.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman. Picture: David Mariuz

The Bill – to be dealt with as a conscience vote – would allow for abortions beyond 22 weeks and six days’ gestation.

It would allow such terminations if two medical practitioners confirm “under all circumstances” it would be “medically appropriate”.

The laws would also remove abortion from the criminal code, turning it into a health issue.

An Advertiser survey of the 47 lower house MPs revealed some members of the Labor Right will insist on changes to the Bill, focusing on outlawing late-term abortions.

It is understood Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas, of the Labor Right, supports law reform and is inclined to vote in favour, but wants amendments including on late-term procedures.

Among Labor’s staunch supporters of the reforms include Nat Cook, Susan Close and Joe Szakacs.

Police Minister Vincent Tarzia is expected to oppose the Bill in its current state, as well as fellow Liberal member Adrian Pederick.

Innovation and skills Minister David Pisoni, meanwhile, is understood to support the reforms, subject to successful amendments.

Senior Labor Left figure Penny Wong attended a pro-abortion rally on Sunday, urging parliament to pass the laws without any changes.

Labor Senator Penny Wong. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Ms Chapman addressed concerns over late-term abortions in an op-ed for The Advertiser on Monday.

“I, along with the medical profession, accept there are greater ethical considerations in assessing a termination for viable children,” she said.

“However, it is frankly offensive to women – not to mention their doctors – that abortion would even be considered for frivolous reasons.”

Labor’s Clare Scriven and Liberal’s Nicola Centofanti, who formed a cross-party partnership when the Bill was before the Upper House, penned their own letter in response to Ms Chapman.

“The Bill glosses over the fact that gestational limits will be removed, which means that an abortion will be legal up to birth of a healthy baby,” they said.

“If proponents of this Bill sincerely believe late term abortions will only be done for serious foetal abnormality, they should be willing to support an amendment that says so.”

Originally published as Late-term abortion faces challenge in parliament