NSW abortion law on the agenda as pro-choice rally to be held in Newcastle

Aleeyah Clifford and Ruby Hackett, of Merewether High, believe women should have a right to "safe, affordable abortions" and autonomy over their bodies.

The "Our Body Our Choice Newcastle" rally will include a march through surrounding streets.

Ruby said a medical abortion in some countries "can cost as little as $15 to $20".

In Australia, an abortion costs about $300 to $600, which Ruby said was "excessive".

"There's a lot of women in poor financial situations who can't afford this."

The girls believe abortion should be covered by the public health system, as it is in South Australia and Northern Territory.

Ruby agreed with the argument that abortion shouldn't be a form of contraception.

"People should take care with contraception if they don't want to be pregnant, but accidental pregnancies do happen, rapes happen.

"Girls will get pregnant even if they're using contraceptives all the time."

Aleeyah said the right to choose was "such a massive issue".

"One in three women in their lifetime will have an abortion at some point," she said.

"Most women you talk to have either had one or they know someone who's had one.

"The fact that abortion is still a crime in NSW is appalling. It's still in our Crimes Act."

NSW is the only state in Australia where abortion is still a criminal offence.

The law allows for a "lawful" abortion if a doctor believes a female's physical or mental health is in serious danger by continuing the pregnancy.

The doctor takes social and family situations, finances and health into consideration when making this decision.

The abortion section of the NSW Crimes Act is rarely used, but a Sydney woman was prosecuted in 2017 for using a drug for an abortion, after she bought pills on the internet.

It is an offence under the NSW Crimes Act for a pregnant woman to unlawfully administer to herself "any drug or noxious thing" or unlawfully use "any instrument or other means" to cause a miscarriage.

In 2006, a NSW doctor was given a two-year good behaviour bond after being prosecuted for the first illegal abortion in the state in 25 years.

In May 2017, a bill to decriminalise abortion was rejected in a 25 to 14 vote in NSW Parliament.

Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi's defeated bill sought to have abortion offences removed from the Crimes Act.

Furthermore, it required doctors opposed to abortion to refer patients to a doctor who would help them.

The matter is now back on the agenda. Aleeyah and Ruby attended a pro-choice rally in Sydney in June.

"It was an amazing event. It was really interesting hearing the speakers and the stories," Aleeyah said.

"We decided we need that kind of action in Newcastle."

She said the rally was partly aimed at putting pressure on politicians for reform in NSW.

"It's also a solidarity march to stand united with women in America," she said, referring to the so-called heartbeat bills that recently passed in the US states of Ohio, Georgia, Missouri and Alabama.

These bills have restricted the freedom of females to have abortions.

"It's completely ridiculous. It's a fundamental human right for a woman to choose," Aleeyah said.

The office of Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has been working with Aleeyah and Ruby to help the rally proceed.

"It has been remarkable to see two young activists fighting for a fair and just society," Mr Crakanthorp said.

"I want to acknowledge their extraordinary efforts in co-ordinating this important event."

Mr Crakanthorp said it was "appalling that NSW is the only state or territory in the nation where abortion is still in the Crimes Act".

"I support a woman's right to choose. Abortion is not a criminal issue - it is a health issue and should be treated as such by NSW legislation."

Ensuring abortion is safe, accessible and decriminalised in NSW must be "a priority for this term of government".

He said the rally was an opportunity for the community to "voice their concerns and demand that NSW change these archaic laws".

Anyone can attend the rally, which starts at noon. The march will start at 1pm.