Key Points:
- SHINE SA opposes the bill introduced by Liberal MLC Ben Hood, which would ban abortion after 28 weeks gestation and require forced birth and adoption.
- The bill contradicts South Australia’s evidence-based abortion laws, decriminalised in 2021 following broad medical, scientific, and community consultation.
- SHINE SA calls for politicians to reject this harmful legislation and to protect individuals' rights to safe, legal, and private healthcare decisions.
A controversial bill to ban abortion after 28 weeks gestation has been met with strong opposition from SHINE SA, South Australia’s leading sexual and reproductive health organisation. The Private Members Bill, introduced by Liberal MLC Ben Hood, would require individuals seeking an abortion after 28 weeks to undergo a forced birth, a move that SHINE SA describes as extreme and harmful.
"South Australia's abortion laws are built on robust medical and scientific evidence, expert opinion, and extensive community input," said SHINE SA CEO Holley Skene. "Any attempt to weaken this framework endangers the very people our healthcare system is meant to protect," said Skene.
Abortion was decriminalised in South Australia in 2021 following a comprehensive review by the South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI). This reform, based on robust scientific evidence, expert medical advice and community engagement, led to legislation allowing abortions up to 22 weeks and 6 days, with later-term abortions permitted in rare and complex cases, with the approval of two medical practitioners.
“The existing laws centre the health and needs of pregnant people and reflect the views of the majority of South Australians who support accessible, safe, and respectful abortion care”, Skene noted.
SHINE SA emphasises that abortion, including late-term abortion, is a deeply personal decision that should be made between a pregnant person and their medical team. "Healthcare must be guided by medical professionals, not dictated by extreme political positions," said Skene.
Skene warned that the bill is out of step with both Australian and international abortion laws and called it "out of touch with the community’s views on reproductive healthcare".
SHINE SA has called on policymakers to reject the bill and continue prioritising the health and wellbeing of individuals in South Australia, free from political interference.
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SHINE SA is a leading provider of comprehensive and integrated sexual and reproductive health services and programs. SHINE SA is a non-profit organisation with a vision for sexual and relationship wellbeing for all.
Key Facts:
- SHINE SA opposes the bill introduced by Liberal MLC Ben Hood, which would ban abortion after 28 weeks gestation and require forced birth and adoption.
- The bill contradicts South Australia’s evidence-based abortion laws, decriminalised in 2021 following broad medical, scientific, and community consultation.
- SHINE SA calls for politicians to reject this harmful legislation and to protect individuals' rights to safe, legal, and private healthcare decisions.
About us:
SHINE SA is a leading provider of comprehensive and integrated sexual and reproductive health services and programs. SHINE SA is a non-profit organisation with a vision for sexual and relationship wellbeing for all.
Contact details:
Media Contact: Victoria Paterson, Communications Manager, SHINE SA
8300 5316, marketing@shinesa.org.au
