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Independent SA body to undertake examination of state abortion laws
An independent institution from South Australia has been selected to undergo a study into the state’s abortion laws as part of a plan to reform legislation which has “not been updated for four decades”.
Emma Musgrave
The independent South Australian Law Reform Institute (SALRI), which is based at the University of Adelaide, has been requested by Attorney-General Vickie Chapman MP to examine changes to the state's abortion laws.
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“The South Australian Law Reform Institute welcomes the opportunity to undertake this most important reference, with a view to making abortion a regulated medical procedure under health law as opposed to a criminal law issue,” said director of the SA Law Reform Institute, the University of Adelaide's Professor John Williams.
“The state’s existing abortion laws, which have not been updated for four decades, will be examined with a view to improving access and modernising the practice in South Australia.
Professor Williams said the Institute will research and consult widely with the community, health providers and interested parties, especially those in regional South Australia, on present law and practice and the implications of any changes, with a report with recommendations to be provided to the A-G for consideration.
“Abortion raises many sensitive and complex ethical, social, legal and medical issues. There are sincere and differing views in the community which we will consider when making our report,” he said.
“On the basis of its research and consultation, the Institute will suggest potential models for reform.”
