Reproductive justice: A framework for abortion law reform

Abstract

Australia has seen a number of efforts at reform of abortion laws in recent years. Some jurisdictions have decriminalised abortion entirely, and other states have made efforts to reform abortion law without complete decriminalisation. At the other end of the spectrum, Queensland in 2018 listed abortion as a criminal offence. This article uses the framework of questions in the Queensland Law Reform Commission consultation paper to reprise the need for abortion law reform in Queensland specifically, and Australia generally. While answering the Queensland Law Reform Commission questions, we frame our inquiry around empowering women’s self-determination to make decisions about their reproductive health as a hallmark of their equality as citizens.