AMENDMENTS swayed Albury politician Justin Clancy to vote to decriminalise abortion, after first opposing a bill on the matter.
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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.
"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."
"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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