New NT abortion law an important step forward for women’s health but further reform needed
March 22, 2017

The Human Rights Law Centre welcomes the passing of the Termination of Pregnancy Law Reform Bill in the Northern Territory Parliament last night but has urged the Northern Territory Government to fully decriminalise abortion and respect women as competent decision makers.

The new law improves access to abortion, allows access to the “abortion pill” outside hospital settings and protects women against harassment and intimidation from anti-abortionists.

Adrianne Walters, Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre, said, “We commend Attorney-General Natasha Fyles, for her leadership in pushing these vital reforms through the NT Parliament. However, the new law does not give women decision making power, even in the very early stages of pregnancy. It also fails to fully decriminalise abortion. The Attorney-General has committed to reviewing the laws in 12 to 24 months. These serious shortcomings should be addressed now.”

Continued at source: Human Rights Law Centre: https://www.hrlc.org.au/news/2017/3/22/new-nt-abortion-law-an-important-step-forward-for-womens-health-but-further-reform-needed