NT women will soon have easier access to abortion after legislation introduced by Health Minister Natasha Fyles passed unopposed last night.
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The bill allows women seeking a termination between 14 and 24 weeks gestation to only be examined by one doctor, bringing the NT in line with Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT.
Previously, any woman who had been pregnant for more than 14 weeks had to be approved for termination by two doctors.
The new bill also allows for women to also have a termination after 24 weeks, but requires consultation from two doctors.
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Ms Fyles said terminations between 14 and 24 weeks only accounted for about five per cent of abortions.
An emotional debate on the issue in the NT Legislative Assembly went well into Tuesday night before the legislation passed unanimously around 8.30pm.
Ms Fyles initially indicated a conscience vote would be allowed on the issue, but the bill passed unopposed when The Opposition failed to call a division on the floor.