Australian abortion law (historical context)

Australian abortion laws have evolved significantly over time. Historically, abortion was criminalized under common law, and accessing safe procedures was difficult. The landmark 1969 case of R v. Wald introduced the principle of a woman's rights in certain circumstances, leading to reforms in various states. By the 2000s, most states had decriminalized abortion, recognizing it as a healthcare issue. New South Wales and Queensland were among the last to reform their laws, doing so around 2019. Today, abortion is largely seen as a matter of reproductive health, with access varying by state, but generally protected in law across Australia.