ALHR Submission to Queensland Law Reform Commission Review of Termination of Pregnancy Laws

February 28, 2018

ALHR has made a submission to the Queensland Law Reform Commission Review (QLRC) of Termination of Pregnancy Laws. ALHR strongly supports the decriminalisation of abortion in all Australian jurisdictions and supports domestic, regional and international measures that uphold sexual and reproductive health rights, and that allow women and girls autonomy over their own bodies and health.

Abortion is currently a criminal offence in Queensland, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment for those who “attempt” to procure it and 7 years for women who intend to procure their own miscarriage. While abortion providers operate in Queensland, they exist within an ambiguous legal space, and as a result, access to services is limited which has the effect of endangering Queensland women and girls. Queensland and New South Wales are the only remaining States that do not provide for legal abortions. These laws are archaic, have not changed for more than a century and are not reflective of the majority of community values or of internationally-recognised human rights principles.

Read ALHR’s Submission Here

Read the QLRC Review Terms of Reference

Read the QLRC Consultation Paper and Questions