MPs begin debating amendments to abortion bill
A final vote is expected today on a bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW, as MPs continue a lengthy debate over amendments around late-term abortions.
A preliminary vote on the bill, to allow it to proceed to a debate over amendments, passed comfortably by 56 votes to 33. A final vote is expected on Thursday evening.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier John Barilaro voted to support the bill's passage, as did ministers Brad Hazzard, Andrew Constance, Gareth Ward, Matt Kean, Stuart Ayres, Melinda Pavey, Adam Marshall and Victor Dominello.
A majority of Labor MPs also voted for the bill, including Opposition Leader Jodi McKay.
Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the bill, declared it an "historic moment in our time," as he gave his reply in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday after more than 60 MPs spoke on the bill.
"The law does not treat women with dignity or trust them to make a decision about their bodies, their life, and their healthcare. This reform is long overdue," he said.
The bill allows abortion on request for women up to 22 weeks' gestation performed by a registered doctor. Women beyond 22 weeks would need the consent of two doctors.
However, intense disagreement has erupted over the 22-week threshold, prompting a raft of amendments.
It is understood Ms Berejiklian, who has previously said she would support the bill, has concerns around late-term abortions.
Medical and legal experts, including the Australian Medical Association, have condemned the attempts to change the bill.
The "most concerning" amendment, the AMA said on Wednesday, was the move to require "a hospital advisory committee" comprising a four-person panel approve terminations after 22 weeks.
"This would place women at significant risk of unnecessary delay and only add to their suffering, particularly women in regional and rural areas," the AMA said.
The MPs face a long day and evening of debating, with at least 19 amendments put forward. Attorney General Mark Speakman and Liberal MPs Tania Davies, and Alister Henskens have all proposed amendments, as has Labor MP Hugh McDermott and independent MP Joe McGirr.
Nationals MP Leslie Williams, who is co-sponsoring the bill, has also proposed amendments in a bid to make it more palatable to those with concerns around late-term abortions.
The bill has been co-sponsored by 15 MPs from across the political divide, including Health Minister Brad Hazzard.