South Australian MP Proposes Abortion Law Changes

Liberal MP Ben Hood has introduced a controversial bill in South Australia that would require individuals seeking an abortion after 28 weeks to deliver the baby alive instead. This proposal has sparked significant backlash, with the Greens labeling it as 'forced birth' and critics arguing it undermines women's healthcare rights. Currently, late-term abortions after 22 weeks and six days are permitted under specific medical circumstances, but Hood's bill seeks to amend this by mandating live birth for pregnancies past 27 weeks and six days. Supporters of the bill argue it balances the rights of the mother with those of the child, but opponents highlight the risks and complexities faced by individuals in such situations. The Liberal Party has stated that this bill is not official policy and will allow a conscience vote among its members. The proposed legislation is unlikely to pass both houses of parliament and faces strong opposition from various health and rights organizations.