Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi, who introduced a 2017 bill to have offences relating to abortion removed from the Crimes Act and common law, said she was hopeful a new bill would be introduced after the next state election in March. 

She said QLD was the only other state in Australia where abortion was still a criminal offence and they were currently debating changing that.

Dr Faruqi said NSW should follow the lead of QLD and every other state to protect “women’s right to make their own health decisions”.

“Have a break, rest, enjoy this win,” she told those at the Safe Access Zone celebration. 

“Then we’re going to come back and finish the unfinished business to decriminalise abortion in NSW.”

The 2017 bill was defeated 25 to 14 and also included a 150metre safe access zone. 

Fellow Greens MP Penny Sharpe told those gathered to celebrate the success of the Safe Access Zone changes that the fight was not over yet.

“We have one more job to do,” she said.

“NSW has to be next. In 2018 women in NSW should not be considered criminal for having an abortion.

“One thing I will commit here, and I know there are people in parliament already talking about this is I will pursue this with vigor after the next election.”

Nationals MP Trevor Khan, who cosponsored the Safe Access Zone bill with Ms Sharpe and rallied for party support, alluded to the possibility of supporting a bill to decriminalise abortion.

“No doubt there will be another vote on other matters, no doubt we’ll be involved in it,” he said.