Health Care (Safe Access) Amendment Act 2020

Health Care (Safe Access) Amendment Act 2020
Parliament of South Australia
Long title An Act to amend the Health Care Act 2008.
Citation	No. 39 of 2020
Considered by	South Australian House of Assembly
Considered by	South Australian Legislative Council
Royal assent	17 August 2021
Legislative history
First chamber: South Australian House of Assembly
First reading	3 June 2020
Second reading	22 July 2020
Third reading	23 September 2020
Second chamber: South Australian Legislative Council
First reading	23 September 2020
Second reading	11 November 2020
Third reading	11 November 2020
Status: Current legislation

The Health Care (Safe Access) Amendment Act 2020 is an act of the Parliament of South Australia relating to the legal protection of access to abortion.

Background

A previous bill was introduced to the South Australian Legislative Council, but it lapsed due to prorogation. ^{[1] [2]}

Legislative passage

Debate in parliament focused on freedom of speech and rights relating to silent prayer. ^[3]

Provisions

The act establishes buffer zones of 150 metres around abortion clinics. ^[4]

Reception

The legislation was supported by the South Australian Abortion Action Coalition. ^[5]

Further developments

In 2021, South Australia passed legislation to fully decriminalise abortion. ^[6]

References

1. South Australian Legislation (22 November 2021). "Legislation search results". South Australian Legislation. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
2. Siebert, Bension (23 September 2020). "Bill to create 'safe access zones' around abortion clinics passes SA Parliament's Lower House". ABC News. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
3. MacLennan, Leah (21 July 2020). "Abortion 'safe access zone' stifles free speech, protesters say ahead of debate in SA Parliament". ABC News. Archived from the original on 13 June 2024. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
4. "South Australia passes legislation to establish safe access zones around abortion clinics". SBS News. 12 November 2020. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
5. "Protesting outside SA abortion clinics has been outlawed as new laws pass Parliament". ABC News. 11 November 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
6. Millar, Erica (5 May 2022). "Abortion is no longer a crime in Australia. So why is it still so hard to access?". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2025.