Anti-abortion activists are trying to limit access in NSW – and they are just getting started

Key points

• The man who wants to ban “se selective abortions” is the first person who will tell you it won’t work.
• New South Wales Libertarian party MLC John Ruddick has introduced legislation that would see health practitioners sent to prison or fined thousands if they carry out a termination because of the sex of a foetus.
• But the experts, the evidence, and history show that laws like these tend to target immigrants, increase stigma and wind back reproductive rights.
• In NSW, it’s entirely a woman’s choice if she wants an abortion up to 22 weeks, but this law would mean health practitioners would have to question her about her reasons, which could put her off seeking help, and the practitioner off providing the abortion.
• Ruddick concedes it’s not an enforceable law.