The New South Wales Parliament today passed a landmark bill to expand abortion access across the state, with 64 votes in favour and 21 against.
The legislation, introduced by Greens MLC Dr Amanda Cohn, allows nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe the termination medication MS-2 Step up to nine weeks gestation — a move welcomed by reproductive health advocates.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is now preparing to offer medical abortion services on-site following the bill’s passage.
This long-overdue reform addresses the significant barriers women in the region have faced in accessing timely and affordable abortion care.
While the bill’s success is a win for reproductive rights in NSW, it is still disappointing that key elements were stripped from the final legislation – including the amendment requiring conscientious objectors to provide direct and immediate referrals.
“We are disappointed but not surprised that the amendment addressing conscientious objectors was removed from the final bill. Abortion is a medical procedure – nothing more, nothing less. Any healthcare provider who refuses to offer it must, by law, be required to provide a direct and immediate referral,” said Sally Stevenson, Executive Director of the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
“This isn’t about conscience – it’s about control. The removal of this amendment perpetuates a deeply misogynistic culture that continues to punish women for making decisions about their own bodies.”
At the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, over 100 women a month visit the website seeking information on how to access abortion care – a clear indication of unmet needs.
Now that the bill has passed, Ms Stevenson says the centre will start preparations to offer medical abortion, but it’s also time for the broader health system to act.
“Wollongong Hospital must step up to meet the demand. This is a healthcare service with a real and growing need. We don’t debate people’s morals when they need a colonoscopy or heart surgery.
Abortion is safe. It is legal. And it is healthcare. This reform passing is a critical step – but every delay, every stigma-fuelled barrier, continues to hurt real women in our communities.”
