Abortion law finally comes into effect in South Australia
More than 15 months after being passed by Parliament, the Termination of Pregnancy Act 2021 becomes law in South Australia today.
The laws are a massive win for reproductive rights and will support more equitable access to abortion care across the state.
The new laws see abortion removed from South Australia’s criminal laws. This leaves Western Australia as the only state in Australia that has not properly decriminalised abortion, with abortion access regulated as an exception to criminal abortion laws.
Human Rights Law Centre Associate Legal Director Adrianne Walters said:
“It’s been a long, long time coming, but finally, abortion has been decriminalised in South Australia. This is a historic moment for South Australia.
“The law coming into effect represents a huge win for the right of all people to decide what happens to their own bodies.
“It is particularly significant timing following the devastating overturning of Roe v Wade by the US Supreme Court, which showed us that we must never stand still when it comes to promoting reproductive rights in Australia.
“Abortion is healthcare and access to abortion is a critical human right. Now, that right is much better protected in South Australia.
“This would not have happened without the determination of many health workers, politicians, lawyers, community advocates and in particular, the tireless work of the South Australian Abortion Action Coalition.
“Now it is time for the McGowan Government in Western Australia to step up and finally decriminalise abortion, as well as removing discriminatory and unnecessary legal barriers that deny pregnant people the right to make medical decisions about their bodies.”
Media contact:
Evan Schuurman, Media and Communications Manager, 0406 117 937, evan.schuurman@hrlc.org.au
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