A bill to restrict late-term abortions in South Australia has been defeated in the state's lower house, with 36 votes against and 9 in favour. The legislation, which would have effectively banned abortions after 25 weeks except in cases of saving the mother's life or serious fetal abnormalities, had earlier passed the upper house on Wednesday.
The vote took place shortly after 9:30pm ACST, following less than two hours of debate. Both Premier Peter Malinauskas and Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn voted in favour but did not speak. The matter was a conscience vote for Labor and Liberal MPs; the Greens voted against, while One Nation supported it.
The bill was introduced by Family First MP Sarah Game in the upper house, where it passed 10 votes to 9 with support from three One Nation MPs. It is the furthest an anti-abortion bill has progressed in South Australia, after two earlier attempts in 2024 and 2025 were defeated in the upper house.
Labor MP Tung Ngo amended the bill to include an exemption for serious fetal abnormalities, stating he did not support late-term abortion but was against forcing families into suffering. Health Minister Blair Boyer opposed the bill on conscience and medical advice, arguing the current framework treats abortion as healthcare.
One Nation MP Chantelle Thomas, who introduced the bill in the lower house, criticised the government for rushing the vote. Labor frontbencher Tom Koutsantonis, who supported the bill, accused her of being misinformed and defended colleagues voting on conscience.
