| A historic bill to decriminalise abortion in New South Wales has passed the State Parliament's Lower House, following two weeks of impassioned debate. Members of Parliament were granted a conscience vote on the bill, which aims to remove abortion from the Crimes Act and define it as a medical procedure in its own legislation. The bill was passed just before 11.00pm with 59 in favour and 31 against.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian voted for the bill, after facing criticism for not being more vocal in her support.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Opposition Leader Jodi McKay also supported it.
Seven Liberal ministers voted against it, including Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman and Planning Minister Rob Stokes.
But the bill's passing is not the end of the matter as the proposed legislation still needs to pass the state's Upper House. The bill will be considered by a Legislative Council inquiry next week and is expected to be voted on the following week.
ABC
Key points:
The bill now heads to the NSW Upper House for further debate
It allows for access to an abortion in the first 22 weeks of pregnancy
It includes a provision that terminations beyond that be approved by two doctors. | 
