Albury MP Justin Clancy explains how changes to bill made him willing to back abortion decriminalisation

The MP was one of four who switched to supporting the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill after having vote 'no' to it before amendments were debated and added on Thursday.

Mr Clancy said five changes incorporated in the final bill made him feel comfortable in supporting the legislation.

He said his decision was also strongly driven by his view that most in his electorate do not believe abortion should be treated as a crime.

"I have recognised that even from those people who have deep concerns about abortion there is the recognition that abortion should not be sitting in the framework of criminal justice," Mr Clancy said.

"With abortion it exists in NSW, it is lawful in NSW, it occurs in NSW, but it was sitting in the criminal justice framework and the debate was whether it should be sitting in that framework.

"It's instructive to recognise in the 1850s mental health was in the criminal justice system."

Mr Clancy's vote was applauded by pro-choice advocates, including Albury deputy mayor Amanda Cohn and fellow doctor Catherine Orr who wrote a letter to NSW MPs supporting change.

"I'm sure it was a really difficult decision for Justin and I really respect his personal faith, but it's a huge relief he was able to put his constituents first and listen to the debate and listen to the community," Dr Cohn said.

Dr Orr said the 59-31 overall vote for decriminalisation showed there was solid support for the move and "its' pleasing Justin Clancy voted for it in the end" and "listened to his constituents".

We Need Reproductive Rights Rural NSW representative Liz Marmo expressed delight at Mr Clancy's vote.

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"Sincerely the women of Albury will thank him greatly for supporting their rights to reproductive health," Ms Marmo said.

"I'm so impressed.

"By him voting for the bill it shows this man has compassion towards women and their rights, which is fantastic."

Amendments that helped convince Mr Clancy to support the bill involved a variety of aspects.

They included late term abortions only being able to done at a public hospital rather than a clinic and doctors who conscientiously object to terminations having to provide information to refer patients to services.

Informed consent for patients was also mandated and late term abortions must be done by a specialist.

There will also be an examination of gender being used as a reason for abortions occurring.

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