South Australia's Upper House has narrowly voted down proposed changes to the state's abortion laws, after more than three hours of at times heated debate in state parliament yesterday.

Those in support argued the proposed changes would have balanced the rights of women and children, but opponents said it would have caused suffering to women and interfered with their access to healthcare. 

Abortion has also emerged as an election issue in Queensland, with the state opposition being forced to deny it will wind back abortion access should it win the state election on Saturday week.