Statement on the Termination of Pregnancy Amendment
17 June 2026
In the wake of moves to introduce legislation that winds back abortion legislation, the Law Society reiterates its long-standing position that abortion should be treated fundamentally as a health issue.
The Termination of Pregnancy Act, which decriminalises abortion, was passed in 2021 following robust debate and thorough inquiry. The South Australian Law Reform Institute conducted an exhaustive review of South Australia’s abortion laws and concluded that abortion was best dealt with as a health issue underpinned by the strong ethical and regulatory framework that governs the medical profession.
The Termination of Pregnancy Act enables medical professionals to assess the individual circumstances of each patient and make treatment decisions that align with best medical practice, at the same time as providing strict safeguards to ensure abortion treatment is governed by clear medical, ethical, and legal controls that protect patients, ensure proper care and prevent misuse.
David Colovic
President
The Law Society of South Australia