Ms Morand said the Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 reflects broad community views and current clinical practice.

“Legislation to come before the Parliament this week will provide Victorians with a modern legislative framework that reflects community attitudes and current clinical practice,” she said.

Under the Bill, terminations of pregnancy will be regulated like any other medical procedure up to 24 weeks gestation. After 24 weeks gestation, a registered medical practitioner may perform an abortion on a women only if the medical practitioner -
a) reasonably believes that the termination of pregnancy is appropriate in all the circumstances;
b) has consulted at least one other medical practitioner who also reasonably believes that the termination is appropriate in all the circumstances.

In considering all the circumstances the registered medical practitioners must have regard to all relevant medical circumstances and the woman’s current and future physical, psychological, and social circumstances.

Ms Morand said the legislation represents a significant and fundamental change in the way abortion will be regulated in Victoria.

“The Government has committed to the development of legislation that provides clarity for women, health practitioners and the community about the circumstances in which the termination of pregnancy can be performed,’’ she said.

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the Bill will provide women and health practitioners with a certainty that has been lacking for many years.

“By clarifying the law in this area, we are not intending to expand the extent to which terminations occur, or restrict access to services,’’ Mr Andrews said.

The Brumby Government sought advice from the Victorian Law Reform Commission in August 2007 about options to clarify the law relating to terminations of pregnancy, and to remove abortion from the Crimes Act.

In providing advice, the Commission was to have regard to the government’s commitment to modernise and clarify the law, and reflect current community standards, without altering current clinical practice.

The Victorian Law Reform Commission report was tabled in May after extensive consultation with individuals and organisations.

The Bill will be subject to a conscience vote by Government MPs.