The Termination of Pregnancy Bill proposed by Attorney-General Vickie Chapman is due to be debated in the House of Assembly today, with MPs set to resist calls to pass the legislation without changes.
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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.
Premier Steven Marshall said he would 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.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.
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