The change came far too late, but it did, eventually, come. Abortion is now decriminalised in every Australian state and territory, but if you think that means the matter is settled, you’re wrong. The extraordinary success of the anti-abortion movement in the United States – where abortion bans now exist in 21 states – has clearly emboldened opportunistic local politicians.

Abortion prohibitions are now back on the Australian political agenda. In Queensland, where a state election will be held next weekend, abortion has unexpectedly been a key issue during the campaign. Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli, who is the favourite to win the election, has refused to state clearly whether he is pro-choice.

Pro-life supporters outside the US Supreme Court in Washington last week. The issue will play a role in the US election.Credit: Bloomberg

He has insisted the legal status quo will not change. But he voted against laws decriminalising abortion (enacted in 2018) and will not say whether he will give his MPs a conscience vote on the issue, should it come up in the next parliament.

It almost certainly will, because Katter’s Australian Party leader Robbie Katter (son of federal MP Bob Katter) has said he will introduce a private member’s bill to repeal Queensland’s abortion laws. Under the 2018 laws, abortion on demand is available up to 22 weeks’ gestation. After that, it allows abortion if two doctors agree it is advisable “in all the circumstances”.

Queensland LNP health........

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