Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has voted for the bill decriminalising abortion in NSW, after voting against the original form of the bill.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The bill was passed in the NSW Legislative Council on Thursday.
Following hours of debate and discussion the bill passed after a third reading with 59 ayes to 31 noes on Thursday.
Ms Cooke added her vote to the yes camp, following the lengthy proceedings over the 19 proposed amendments.
The majority of the amendments failed to pass, and those that did attempted only to tweak the wording of the original bill.
Ms Cooke had maintained her silence on her convictions regarding the legislation until the final vote just before 11pm on Thursday night.
"I initially voted against the Bill in its original form," Ms Cooke said on Friday."
During the lengthy debate Ms Cooke said she also voted for more discussion on the bill.
READ ALSO:
"I also voted to send it to a committee for further examination because in part I did not feel that Members of Parliament had been given sufficient time to consult with their communities," Ms Cooke said.
"Unfortunately, that vote was unsuccessful.
"I'm one of 93 members of the Legislative Assembly.
"I knew the bill had the overwhelming support of Parliament, and I wanted to ensure it was amended to ensure the highest possible safeguards for families and women facing this unimaginably difficult decision.
"While I have strong personal views on this subject, I also believe in exercising compassion and humanity and not passing judgement on the personal decisions of others," she said.
Ms Cooke said she believed the final form of the bill, which is expected to be debated in the Upper House next week, "struck a balance".
"This was an extremely difficult decision for me," Ms Cooke said.
"There needed to be a balance between the right to freedom of religious expression and the provision of practical healthcare - I believe the form of the bill which I voted for, while not perfect, struck this balance."
Ms Cooke thanked voters who shared their views with her.
"I received a great deal of feedback from constituents on this Bill and I would like to thank all those who took the time to share their views.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?