The US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade – a previous court interpretation of the US constitution that protected safe access to abortions – is a reminder that we must be vigilant with our hard-won human rights.

Before 2019, procuring an abortion was still a criminal offence in NSW and we relied on court interpretations of the laws to allow access. My bill removed abortions from the Crimes Act to regulate them as health procedures. Bans do not stop abortions, but they stop safe ones and after hearing from many women about their experiences, some of which were at a time when access was difficult, I worry about the danger that many women in the USA will face as a result of this decision.

An abortion is a health decision that a person has the right to make about their body and I encourage you to sign the Family Planning NSW statement in support of abortion being treated as healthcare > HERE.

The US Supreme Court ruling also flags the threat that rulings which currently protect marriage equality could be next. I send my thoughts and solidarity to people across the USA.