Doctors flag legal action over abortion bill

An unborn Baby at 18 weeks.

A group of doctors is considering challenging the decriminalisation of abortion in Victoria.
The State's Upper House took a final vote on the contentious bill last night, and passed it 23 votes to 17.

Abortion will now be removed from the Crimes Act and a woman can freely choose to terminate a pregnancy up to 24 weeks gestation. Late term abortions will require the consent of two doctors.

The Doctors in Conscience Against Abortion Bill coalition fears some could be forced to move interstate or leave the profession altogether, because of their opposition to the reforms.

Spokesperson Eamonn Mathieson says the doctors are waiting for the Government to draw up guidelines before they decide their next step.

"We're awaiting legal advice and discussions to see where it goes from here," he said.

"We believe that it has clearly breached both the charter and international human rights treaties. This is certainly challengeable in courts, both nationally and internationally."

from ABC Online Australia