Australian state considers proposal to decriminalise abortion

Sydney: Australia's state parliament of New South Wales (NSW) is considering a proposal which will decriminalise abortion, local media reported on Thursday.

Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi has introduced a bill to NSW parliament that would remove abortion from the Crimes Act and bring the state's laws covering terminations via abortions in line with those living in Victoria, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Decriminalising abortion is essential," Faruqi said.

"Women and all people choosing to have an abortion as well as their doctors are not criminals and we need to remove the stigma and shame associated with it."

At present, NSW and Queensland are the only two states in Australia where abortion is illegal. 

However, women in NSW can have their pregnancies terminated if a doctor believes their physical or mental health is at risk.