New South Wales Libertarian party MLC John Ruddick has introduced legislation to ban sex-selective abortions, a move that medical experts and evidence suggest is based on misinformation and could harm reproductive rights. The bill would impose prison sentences or fines on health practitioners who perform terminations based on the sex of the foetus.
Experts Question Enforceability and Motives
Ruddick acknowledges the law is unenforceable, as women could simply cite other reasons for seeking an abortion. He argues the bill sends a message that boys and girls are equal, but critics see it as a step toward restricting abortion access. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) president, Nisha Khot, stated the bill is "predicated on misinformation" and that its underlying aim is to restrict abortion.
No Evidence of Widespread Sex-Selective Abortion in NSW
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park confirmed there is no evidence of sex-selective abortion occurring in the state. A 2020 NSW Health review found only 13 cases out of 15,973 abortions were listed for sex selection, with 10 likely being reporting errors, leaving just three possible cases. Ruddick cites a different study showing indirect evidence among Indian and Chinese immigrants, but its authors recommended against using prenatal testing to reveal sex unless medically necessary, rather than banning the practice.
US Study Shows Bans Stigmatize and Fail to Change Sex Ratios
A 2025 US study in Social Science & Medicine found that sex-selective abortion bans stigmatized Asian immigrant mothers, amplified racial stereotypes, and did not significantly alter infant sex ratios. The authors concluded that prevalence has been overstated and that evidence does not support claims of widespread practice.
Anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe, who collaborated with politicians on the bill, used images of sugar glider joeys mistakenly believed to be human foetuses in protests. When questioned, she dismissed the error, saying, "Even if … the picture of Ruth and Emma is sugar gliders, like, does it really even fucking matter?"
Campaigners Aim to Further Restrict Abortion
RANZCOG, the Australian College of Midwives, and MSI Australia warn that multiple legislative attempts aim to erode abortion access. Howe stated this bill is just the start, with plans to target late-term abortions next. She declared, "Every year in this state, we will introduce a bill until we protect all the babies."
