Abortion bill passed in conscience vote

The bill to decriminalise abortion in Victoria has passed a conscience vote of Upper House MPs by six votes.

The final vote was 23 to 17.

The decision has been welcomed by former Premier, Joan Kirner a long-time pro-choice campaigner.

Ms Kirner said she is relieved the bill passed in the Upper House.

"It was fantastic to see people from all sides of the House standing up to make sure that women were no longer potential criminals," she said.