TAMWORTH MP Kevin Anderson has launched a survey, asking the community if they believe abortions should be decriminalised.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A bill proposing the move was introduced on Thursday and will be debated on Tuesday. The traditionally conservative National Party has been given a conscience vote on the matter.
While a number of Nationals MPs have come out in support of the bill, Mr Anderson said the view of his electorate would guide his vote.
"I will be carefully considering my position, as well as discussing it with my electorate before I cast my vote in Parliament," he said.
People voting will be asked what their address is, which will be cross-referenced with the electoral roll to ensure the debate is not hijacked by people from outside the electorate.
READ ALSO
The survey opened on Wednesday and hundreds of people have already voted, while dozens have left social media comments.
Tamworth doctor Ian Kamerman said he supported the bill for a number of reasons, including equal access to health resources for rural women.
"As a doctor who practices within your electorate, there is no access to termination funded by NSW Health and women are forced to travel away from the support of family and friends," Dr Kamerman said.
"I support the rights of a woman to choose, and passage of the bill will further reduce the disparity in health care between rural and urban areas."
Helen Etherington said passing the bill could lead to unseen implications.
"I think the legislation needs to be carefully considered, as there's no use shutting the gate once the horse has bolted," she wrote.
Charmaine Alley urged people to vote no.
"We were told my son was not compatible for life and that we should abort - how wrong they were," she wrote.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Barwon MP Roy Butler have both pledged their support.
Mr Butler pointed out data, both nationally and internationally, showed regulating abortions didn't lead to an increase in terminations.