Victorian lower house passes abortion law

A law to decriminalise abortion in Victoria has been passed by the lower house of Parliament.

The debate continued into the early hours of this morning before the bill was passed 49 to 32.

The proposed legislation, which legalises abortion up to 24 weeks, will now be sent to the upper house.

Women's Affairs Minister Maxine Morand says she is optimistic the bill will be passed by the Legislative Council.

"A lot of women have been waiting for this for a very long time, I met somebody today who told me she's been waiting for this for 40 years," she said.

"So for a lot of women who remember backyard abortions and abortions being prosecuted this a very, very important day for them."

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Vic rally calls for abortion rights
Ms Brennan said its supporters wanted abortion rights for women at all stages of their pregnancy. The main message is that the majority out there in the community will not accept a compromise on abortion rights.