1. Decriminalisation The act decriminalised abortion in Queensland, removing it from the state's criminal laws. This crucial change meant that women and medical professionals involved in providing abortions would no longer face potential criminal charges. ​ 2. Access to Abortion Services The legislation ensures that women in Queensland have access to safe and legal abortion services. It allows for abortions on request up to 22 weeks gestation, and beyond that point with the agreement of two medical practitioners. It recognizes that a woman's decision about her own body should be respected and empowers her to make choices that are in her best interest. ​ 3. Safe Access Zones The act established safe access zones around abortion clinics and facilities, protecting women from harassment and intimidation by anti-abortion protesters. These safe access zones aim to safeguard the privacy, dignity, and well-being of women seeking abortion services. ​ 4. Mandatory Referral Healthcare practitioners with conscientious objections to abortion are required to refer women to another provider or agency who can offer the requested service. This provision ensures that a woman's access to care is not obstructed due to a provider's personal beliefs. This ground-breaking legislation marked a major step forward in recognising a woman's right to make choices about her own body and access safe and legal abortion services. The act aimed to provide compassionate and supportive care while removing the stigma associated with abortion. ​ Prior to the Termination of Pregnancy Act, Queensland's laws regarding abortion were archaic and restrictive. Abortion was criminalised, with exceptions made only for cases where a woman's life was in immediate danger. This outdated framework imposed significant barriers to accessing safe and legal abortion services and failed to reflect the evolving social attitudes towards reproductive rights.