A controversial bill to legalise abortion is expected to be tabled in Victorian state parliament tomorrow.
The bill will be introduced by Women's Affairs Minister Maxine Morand and is expected to give women unfettered access to early term abortions if passed.
Politicians will have a conscience vote on the issue, which is set to prompt fierce debate.
A Victorian Law Reform Commission review gave the Victorian government three options for removing abortion from the Crimes Act.
They included giving women open slather access to abortion, including late term; allowing doctors to decide whether to perform an abortion if the woman was at risk, or giving women freedom to choose up to 24 weeks gestation.
It is believed the latter option will be presented to the house but a spokeswoman for Ms Morand would not confirm the detail of the legislation.
"We're not prepared to say the model until it's been presented to parliament," spokeswoman Peta James said.
Abortion is permitted in Victoria under a common law ruling only if it will protect the woman's health.
The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) opposes legalising abortion and has expressed concern at the government's "haste" to introduce laws it says will only increase the abortion rate.
About 20,000 abortions are performed in Victoria each year.
"It is dreadful that the government is looking to push through laws at breakneck pace which are not only likely to add to this appalling statistic, but which are also likely to see increased abortions at a stage where children can feel pain and survive outside the womb," ACL Victorian director Rob Ward said.
Pro Choice Vic is pushing for women to have open access to abortion at any stage and says it is the only way to decriminalise the procedure.
Spokesman Dr Leslie Cannold said more than 80 per cent of Victorians were pro choice and she called on Victorian politicians to put women's rights first.
