GPs in SA could soon be able to provide medical terminations without the involvement of another doctor after reforms passed the state parliament’s Upper House this week.

The state currently has some of the country’s most restrictive abortion laws, prohibiting both medical and surgical terminations unless two doctors agree a woman’s physical or mental health is at risk.

Critics have long argued the laws also force some women to travel long distances because abortions can only be provided at designated clinics, mostly based in Adelaide.

A bill to remove the procedure from the criminal code passed a conscience vote early on Thursday, although it must go through the Lower House to become law.