Queensland law change

On 31 August in a closed door caucus meeting Premier Anna Bligh proposed an amendment ot Section 282 of the Criminal Code. This is to remove the ambiguity that only surgical abortions are lawful.

On 2 September in the Queensland Parliament the change was debated. Although this was also an opportunity to bring in more extensive changes to decriminalise abortion this did not happen. The changes were necessary following the advice of the Solicitor-General to abortion providers not to undertake medical abortions untill the law was clarified. The move comes after public and professional protests about the plight of Queensland women having lost access to medical abortions.

On 3 September the law change was fast tracked. It was supported by both government and opposition so there was no conscience vote. Only one MP voted against it  -  Indpendent Liz Cunningham.

On the same day that this law change occurred the case against Tegan Leach and her boyfriend Sergie Brennan came before Majustrate Sandra Pearson in the Cairns Magistrates Court. She has reserved her decision.