STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms SPENDER (Wentworth) (13:34): Across Australia, we're seeing rising threats to women's access to abortion care. We see it in bills in state parliaments. We see it in the way some politicians talk about this issue, using misinformation and scare tactics to drive divisions, tools straight out of the Trump playbook.

Australians don't want that sort of rhetoric or politics here. There is no evidence that there is a problem that needs solving. Our medical system already has robust safeguards built in, including those for rare instances of late-term abortion with strict clinical oversight.

For instance, in New South Wales, if you're past 22 weeks and seeking a termination, you need the approval of two medical practitioners, who consider all circumstances and whether they meet sufficient grounds. These are incredibly rare. Estimates are between 0.5 per cent and two per cent of all abortions over 20 weeks.

They are generally because of late diagnosed anomalies, genetic syndromes or severe fetal growth problems. Hospital advisory committees and multidisciplinary teams are already consulted through this process, so, contrary to misinformation, third-trimester abortions are incredibly rare and never taken lightly. They typically relate to the immediate health and safety of the mother or the viability of the fetus.

I am proud to support access to abortion in this country. It is an important part of our healthcare system. It is the choice of the woman.

We need to protect it. I've thought about whether silence is wiser here, but I believe this is the time that we need to step up. Silence is not neutral.

The time to step up is now.