A BILL to decriminalise abortion in NSW passed the state's Lower House on Thursday night after three days of debate.
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The bill passed 59-31 just before 11pm following hours of speeches on amendments, the majority of which failed.
The legislation will now move to the Upper House where it will be subject to an inquiry.
One of the few amendments to succeed involved allowing health practitioners with a conscientious objection to abortion to give patients information to find another medical professional.
Member for Wagga Joe McGirr had earlier sought to remove the requirement for doctors with a conscientious objection to make referrals.
He argued such provisions were "highly problematic".
"In summary the provisions in this bill go well beyond what is currently accepted professional practice, may badly impact many general practitioners and their patients and the care they can provide and are unnecessary and may lead to inappropriate information being provided," Dr McGirr said.
Albury-raised MP Kate Washington, who represents the seat of Port Stephens, said Dr McGirr's amendment was far from sensible and a danger to women's health.
She said medical association guidelines requiring doctors with conscientious objections to make referrals already existed.
Ms Washington also referred to a letter sent to MPs by Albury deputy mayor Amanda Cohn and other Border medicos highlighting a Muslim doctor who refers patients for abortions despite her religious beliefs.
"I urge the members of this House not support this amendment as it is dangerous for women," Ms Washington said.
Dr McGirr's amendment failed 35-56.
He later expressed concern about the quality of information that would be provided by referring doctors.
"It may also discourage doctors from going to rural areas if they feel that they're in a very difficult position," Dr McGirr said.
"It's hard enough getting doctors to rural areas...and anything that discourages it we should be careful about."
Protesters upset at Dr McGirr's opposition to the legislation rallied outside his Wagga office on Thursday.
