Controversial Abortion Bill Narrowly Defeated in South Australia

A proposed amendment to restrict late-term abortions was rejected amid internal party tensions and dramatic last-minute maneuvers.

The South Australian Legislative Council voted 10-9 against a bill that aimed to restrict abortions after 28 weeks, requiring induced labor with the intent to deliver a live baby.
The bill, introduced by conservative Liberal MP Ben Hood, faced strong opposition from medical, legal, and women's rights groups, who criticized its lack of consideration for maternal health.
Internal divisions within the South Australian Liberal Party were exposed, as moderates and conservatives clashed over the bill's intent and implications.
Michelle Lensink, a moderate Liberal MP undergoing cancer treatment, rushed to parliament after a pairing agreement was broken, highlighting the contentious nature of the vote.
The bill's defeat underscores ongoing tensions over abortion rights in Australia, with similar debates anticipated in other states like Queensland.