Aussie state begins process to fix "archaic" abortion laws

The majority of Australians will soon be able to obtain an abortion legally despite its most populous state keeping the practice in the criminal code.

A bill to decriminalise abortions, tabled in Queensland state parliament on Tuesday, is likely to be made law after the state's conservative opposition allowed its elected representatives to vote their conscience despite party policy being against the practice.

When tabling the bill to put Queensland's laws in line with other Australian states, except the populous New South Wales state, non-party affiliated MP Rob Pyne called the current restrictions "archaic" and that they had "no place in a modern, liberal democracy."

"It's about time our laws reflect modern values that trust and empower women to make decisions about their own bodies," Pyne said.

Pro-choice activists told reporters outside Queensland state parliament on Tuesday most people already assumed abortions were legal and that women had the right to choose what happened to their own bodies.

Though the bill didn't address late-term abortions - which had been expected - it has been referred to committee for consideration before a parliamentary debate expected later this year.

Should the bill pass, New South Wales state will remain the only place in Australia where abortions are illegal. Endit