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Proposed SA abortion bill faces fierce pushback from GPs
‘A step in the wrong direction’ – RACGP leaders have slammed a proposed bill to restrict abortion access in South Australia.
A proposed bill by a South Australian MP would restrict access to abortions after 23 weeks’ gestation.
GPs in South Australia have strongly condemned a move by independent Upper House MP Sarah Game to put forward a planned amendment bill that would limit abortion access after 23 weeks.
Under current South Australian law, abortion is permitted after 23 weeks with the approval of two doctors if continued pregnancy poses a ‘significant risk’ to the person’s physical or mental health.
Under the proposed bill by Ms Game, a former One Nation MP, the approval clause would be removed, limiting abortions after 23 weeks to cases where it was necessary to save the expectant mother’s life, or that of another foetus, or if there was a significant risk of foetal abnormalities.
Abortion is legal throughout Australia, although laws vary across each state and territory.
RACGP South Australia Chair, Dr Siân Goodson, said that decisions on abortion should be made by patients in consultation with healthcare professionals.
‘Abortion services are essential healthcare, and we strongly oppose these plans,’ she said.
Ms Game’s move follows a failed attempt by Liberal MP Ben Hood to introduce another bill last year, whereby a woman who was 28 weeks pregnant would be induced to give birth to a live baby, rather than have the pregnancy terminated.
In April this year, the RACGP was among 40 health and medical organisations to issue a joint statement calling for affordable, accessible abortion as part of an ongoing commitment to essential healthcare.
The proposed measures included:
- national leadership to affirm abortion as essential healthcare
- appropriate remuneration in the MBS for healthcare providers delivering affordable care
- supporting workforce capacity by working with medical and professional colleges providing sexual, reproductive and maternal healthcare training
- public hospitals providing abortion care as part of standard reproductive health services.
Dr Goodson said the RACGP has already called for key changes in
its submission to the 2022 Senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare.
‘The college has previously
spoken out on the importance of making abortion and contraceptive services more affordable and accessible across Australia, and we’ll continue to do so,’ she said.
‘It’s critical we keep working towards affordable and accessible abortion care across Australia, and these proposed changes are a step in the wrong direction.’
Deputy RACGP South Australia Chair and SHINE SA Sexual Health Doctor and Medical Lead, Dr Clare Keogh, echoed Dr Goodson’s views, and warned against the politicisation of reproductive healthcare.
‘Unfortunately, abortion continues to be stigmatised and politicised,’ she said.
‘Decisions about termination after 23 weeks are complex, rare, and deeply personal. They must be made by patients and their doctors, not by politicians.
‘Girls, women and people who can become pregnant can make their own decisions on their own healthcare, including termination of pregnancy.’
The ABC reports that Ms Game
plans to launch the bill on Friday and bring it to a vote before the SA state election in March 2026.
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