Statement on Termination of Pregnancy Laws

The Women Lawyers' Association of South Australia Inc (WLASA) re-affirms its strong support for the Termination
of Pregnancy Act 2021 (the Act), introduced by the then Attorney-General, the Hon. Vickie Chapman, and passed
following extensive public and parliamentary debate.

The Act is underpinned by the South Australian Law Reform Institute's comprehensive report, which recommended
full decriminalisation and a health-based model for abortion law reform.
In WLASA's view, the Act reflects medical best practice and contemporary community values with regard to
reproductive rights and bodily autonomy. WLASA is firm in its support for people who require abortion care at all
stages of pregnancy having access to that care.

Accordingly, WLASA does not support any further amendment to the Act in relation to termination procedures.
Pursuant to the Act, for pregnancies beyond 22 weeks and 6 days, termination is only permitted where two medical
practitioners agree it is clinically appropriate. This includes cases where:

• The procedure is necessary to save the life of the pregnant person or another foetus;
  
• Continuing the pregnancy would pose a significant risk to the physical or mental health of the pregnant
  person; or
• There is a significant risk of serious foetal anomaly.

The Australian Medical Association and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), supported the 2021 reforms and have spoken out in respect of the failed amendments
in 2024 and 2025 and ahead of the introduction of the Termination of Pregnancy (Restrictions on Terminations
After 24 Weeks and 6 Days) Amendment Bill 2026. RANZCOG have highlighted the complex and often extraordinary
circumstances that can lead to late-term abortions, including late diagnoses of foetal abnormalities, reproductive
coercion, domestic violence, severe maternal illness, or barriers to timely access to care.

In WLASA's view, medical professionals are best placed to assess these circumstances and deliver care in line with
clinical best practice, professional ethics, and patient needs.

The law should not impose unnecessary barriers that compromise the ability of healthcare professionals to provide
safe, evidence-based, and compassionate care tailored to individual patients and individual circumstances.