Inner West MP’s Jo Haylen and Penny Sharpe MLC have joined forces with Independent MP Alex Greenwich and Nationals MP Trevor Khan MLC to draft historic legislation to remove abortion from the NSW criminal code.

The group are responsible for drafting the legislation, which will be introduced to parliament this week, and is co-sponsored by a record number of Members of Parliament from five political parties and independents.

The Bill has the backing of the Premier, Leader of the Opposition and Minister for Health.

The Bill is set to be introduced in the Legislative Assembly and establishes a framework for lawful terminations. NSW remains the last state or territory in Australia where abortion remains in the legal code and currently, women and doctors face the threat of prosecution for seeking to obtain an abortion, or performing one.

The Bill has the support of the Australian Medical Association NSW as well as 70 expert legal, social and medical organisations in the State.

Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen, Member for Summer Hill

“NSW is the last state or territory where abortion remains in the criminal code. For too long, women’s reproductive rights have been treated like a political football.  

“Women in NSW have waited for this important reform for generations and I’m committed to getting it done.

“This bill is the culmination of many people’s hard work and I’m grateful for their advocacy and consultation on this bill.

“I’m proud to have been part of the working group that is bringing forward this historic Bill. With its passing, we will hopefully close a painful chapter in Australian history.”