28 June 2022
New laws to decriminalise abortion in South Australia and modernise termination of pregnancy laws will come into effect in early July, more than a year after being passed by the State Parliament.
The Government moved to finalise the regulations late last week to allow changes to the Termination of Pregnancy Act to operate from July 7.
ANMF (SA Branch) has campaigned for many years to remove the termination of pregnancy procedures from the criminal legal system and make regulations part of health law.
The ANMF (SA Branch) Director, Operations and Strategy, Rob Bonner said: “We are pleased the Government has finally progressed this legislation which now brings us in to line with every other jurisdiction, recognises termination of pregnancy as health care and increases access for women living in regional areas.
“This law protects the privacy, dignity, autonomy and medical choices of women.”
The new legislation:
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Removes a reason for a termination of pregnancy if the person is not more than 22 weeks and six days pregnant, though consultation with one medical practitioner is required.
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Permits prescription via telemedicine and removes the requirement that the treatment take place in a hospital for early medical abortion
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The Act also requires consultation with two medical practitioners who both agree on the circumstances for the termination for gestation periods exceeding 22 weeks and six days
“However, we also acknowledge and respect that there are many differing views in our profession. As such, we have also advocated for the provision of conscientious objections,” Mr Bonner said
“Our members come from diverse cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds, and hold a range of ethical views on the termination of pregnancy. Nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing have the right to hold their own opinion and for their opinion to be respected.”
Information on the new legislation and regulations is being sent to GPs and pharmacists so they are fully informed before these come into effect.