Greenwich says parliament has had a long journey before abortion bill passes final hurdle

Supplied video obtained Thursday, September 26, 2019 of Independent MP Alex Greenwich speaking at the NSW lower house before an amended bill to decriminalise abortion faces a final hurdle before it becomes law. The bill passed the NSW upper house 26 votes to 14 on Wednesday night after nearly 40 hours of discussion - making it the third longest debate in the state's upper house. The bill, presented to parliament in August by Independent MP Alex Greenwich, takes abortion out of the criminal code and allows terminations up to 22 weeks as well as later abortions if two doctors agree. “The reproductive health care reform bill… represents collaborations, compromises and negotiations among all members of both house… working to establish the abortion law reform that NSW needs,” Mr Greenwich says. “I note that a number of amendments that would have created new barriers were consistently voted down… the parliament has had a long journey that has involved teamwork and partnerships among members from all political persuasions and different parts of the state. The bill is now in a state that represents the wants and needs of the majority of the is parliament and I propose that the legislative council amendments be agreed to.” (AAP Video/Supplied/Parliament of NSW)(AAP Video/Supplied/XXXX) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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