One Nation senator calls for total abortion ban, widening rift with party leadership

One Nation senator calls for total abortion ban, widening rift with party leadership

A senior One Nation senator has said he will push for the party to adopt a full ban on abortion, marking a sharp break from the more moderate stance expressed by party leader Pauline Hanson.

Speaking at a Christian conference in Brisbane, Senator Malcolm Roberts said he now believes abortion should be completely prohibited and intends to raise the proposal within the party.

He described it as a “goal” he would be putting forward, though he noted it would ultimately remain a conscience vote issue.

His comments contrast with Hanson’s recent remarks at the National Press Club, where she said abortion beyond 20 weeks was “too late,” while also acknowledging that early-term abortions and medical exceptions should remain accessible.

Hanson has also previously said she prefers better contraceptive education over abortions.

One Nation’s current position calls for rolling back what it describes as “extreme” abortion laws.

The party has also recently aligned itself with figures and groups campaigning against abortion expansion, including participation in public rallies and policy debates.

At the same weekend summit where Roberts spoke, anti-abortion activists outlined efforts to build coordinated political influence and encourage tougher legal restrictions.

Some speakers used highly charged religious language, framing abortion as morally equivalent to “child sacrifice,” and called for politicians supporting abortion funding to be voted out.

The event brought together several conservative advocacy organisations that have been working to influence abortion policy across Australian states. These groups say they are aiming to reshape public debate and strengthen religious engagement in politics.

Across Australia, abortion laws have recently been contested in multiple parliaments. Some proposed restrictions, such as tighter limits on abortion timing or changes to medication access, have been rejected, while others continue to be debated.

Medical bodies have warned that many of these proposals could reduce access to safe reproductive healthcare, particularly in complex medical situations involving risks to a woman’s physical or mental health.

The latest comments from Roberts highlight growing internal tension within One Nation as abortion policy becomes an increasingly divisive political issue in Australia.