Bill proposing South Australians seeking later abortions give birth tantamount to ‘forced birth’, Greens say

Liberal MP Ben Hood, who introduced the bill on later abortion to South Australia’s parliament and has been called a ‘rising star’ by the party’s leader. Photograph: Parliament South Australia

A new bill that would require South Australians seeking an abortion from 28 weeks to give birth has been denounced as tantamount to “forced birth” by the Greens, while the lead standards body in women’s health called it an attempt to limit healthcare access.

The bill was introduced into state parliament on Wednesday by Liberal frontbencher Ben Hood, though it is not Liberal policy and is unlikely to pass both houses to become law.