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Australia's New South Wales considers proposal to decriminalized abortion

Xinhua, August 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Australia's state parliament of New South Wales is considering a proposal which will decriminalized abortion, local media reported on Thursday.

Greens member of parliament Mehreen Faruqi has introduced a bill to NSW parliament that would remove abortion from the Crimes Act and bring the state's laws covering terminations via abortions in line with those living in Victoria, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory.

"Decriminalizing abortion is essential," Faruqi said.

"Women and all people choosing to have an abortion as well as their doctors are not criminals and we need to remove the stigma and shame associated with it."

At present, NSW and Queensland are the only two states in Australia where abortion is illegal. However, women in NSW can have their pregnancies terminated if a doctor believes their physical or mental health is at risk. Enditem