Abstract:
Victoria is one step closer to a more liberal abortion regime after landmark legislation was passed early this morning after a marathon session in the Legislative Assembly.
The Bill was passed 48-28 after 41 admendments were moved and defeated in a marathon sitting that ended at 12.48am.
The next hurdle is the upper house, where debate is due to begin next month and a tighter vote is expected.
After it was passed, Health Minister Daniel Andrews told Parliament that the debate had been "complex and challenging".
"But I think it has been conducted in a spirit that I think does every member and this institution great credit," he said.
Nationals leader Peter Ryan, who opposed the Bill, said the debate was conducted in the right spirit.
