NSW bill would criminalize sex-selective abortions

A New South Wales Libertarian Party member of the Legislative Council, John Ruddick, has introduced a bill that would prohibit what it defines as sex-selective abortions in the state. The proposal would impose penalties on health practitioners who perform a termination because of the fetal sex, including imprisonment or large fines.

Medical groups and state officials have questioned whether the practice is occurring at scale and warned the measure could chill access to lawful care. The debate comes as activists in NSW press for tighter abortion restrictions.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the bill is “predicated on misinformation” and argued its “underlying aim is to restrict access to abortion.” NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said there is no evidence of widespread sex-selective abortion in the state.

Supporters of the bill argue it would deter discriminatory terminations. Opponents counter that enforcement would be difficult and could shift decision-making into more opaque channels, without changing outcomes.

Health data and claims of prevalence

A 2020 NSW Health review examined 15,973 abortions and identified 13 cases recorded as potentially sex-selective. The review said 10 of those entries were likely reporting errors, leaving a possible three instances.

Critics of the bill say such figures undercut arguments that a new criminal offense is needed. They also warn that any attempt to police reasons for abortion could disproportionately affect migrant communities if clinicians begin scrutinizing patients based on ethnicity or background.

Concerns about clinical impact and stigma

Opponents say the proposal would put health practitioners in the position of interrogating patients about their reasons for seeking an abortion, potentially deterring people from seeking timely care and discouraging providers from offering services. They argue the measure could increase stigma while doing little to address the underlying drivers of sex preference.

A 2025 U.S. study published in Social Science & Medicine found bans on sex-selective abortions did not significantly alter infant sex ratios but did stigmatize Asian immigrant mothers, amplify racial stereotypes, and contribute to increased maternal stress and poorer birth outcomes.

Activists involved in the legislative push have indicated the bill is an initial step and that they plan to seek restrictions on late-term abortions next. Lawmakers will decide whether the proposal advances for debate and any amendments in the NSW parliament.