South Australia Parliament Rejects Late-Term Abortion Bill

South Australia's upper house has narrowly voted down a controversial abortion bill that would have required women seeking terminations after 27 weeks to deliver their babies alive instead of having an abortion. The bill, introduced by Liberal MP Ben Hood, received nine votes in favor and ten against, reflecting significant division among lawmakers. Critics, including SA Health Minister Chris Picton and various advocacy groups, labeled the proposal as part of a broader anti-abortion movement influenced by U.S. policies, arguing it undermines women's reproductive rights. The current law allows abortions after 22 weeks if deemed medically appropriate, a practice that has seen very few cases—fewer than five terminations after 27 weeks since the legislation was passed in 2021. Proponents of the bill claim it offers a compassionate approach, yet opponents argue it represents a form of 'forced birth.' The debate highlights ongoing tensions over reproductive rights in Australia.