Australia: Abortion decriminalised in Northern Territory after long campaign

Abortion decriminalised in Northern Territory after long campaign

Labor-led parliament votes 20 to four to amend Medical Services Act and widen access to RU486 termination drug

Helen Davidson in Darwin
@heldavidson

Wednesday 22 March 2017

The Northern Territory has decriminalised abortion and widened access for women, including use of the RU486 termination drug.

After a years-long public campaign and failed attempts during the previous administration, the Labor-led parliament voted 20 votes to four on Tuesday in favour of a bill to amend the NT Medical Services Act and the criminal code. Labor members were given a conscience vote.

Continued at source: The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/22/abortion-decriminalised-in-northern-territory-after-long-campaign

Australia: NT abortion bill: Reform to allow RU486 will deliver equality, lead to ‘dark ages’, politicians tell Parliament

NT abortion bill: Reform to allow RU486 will deliver equality, lead to 'dark ages', politicians tell Parliament
By Lucy Marks

March 21, 2017

The Northern Territory Parliament has passed a law decriminalising abortion and legalising the medical termination of pregnancy.

A crowd of supporters cheered in the public gallery when the bill passed 20 votes to four, after a lengthy debate on Tuesday night.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles said in passing the bill the Government had delivered on an election commitment to Territory women.

Continued at source: ABC News: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-21/nt-abortion-debate-hears-from-all-sides-of-parliament/8374464

Australia’s Northern Territory decriminalises abortion

Australia's Northern Territory decriminalises abortion
21 March 2017

Australia's Northern Territory has decriminalised abortion as part of wide-ranging reforms on the medical termination of pregnancy.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the laws bring the territory in line with the rest of Australia.

The reforms legalise the use of abortion drugs, such as RU486, up to nine weeks into a pregnancy.

They also allow medical terminations to happen in specialist clinics, instead of solely in city hospitals.

Continued at source: BBC: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-39335371

21.03.2017

abortion law reform

decriminalisation of abortion

medical abortion

Northern Territory