NSW to recognise crimes against unborn

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has pledged to introduce laws recognising the death of an unborn child if her government is re-elected.

Ms Berejiklian said on Thursday the legislation would make it a separate crime to kill or injure an unborn child during a criminal act.

The reference to "during a criminal act" sets her proposal apart from the Zoe's Law bill put forward by Christian Democrat Reverend Fred Nile, which was briefly debated before being adjourned again on Thursday.

Ms Berejiklian said there were several problems with Reverend Nile's legislation, which critics say encroaches on women's safe access to abortion.

Reverend Nile introduced the bill in 2013 and named it in honour of unborn Zoe Donegan who was killed when her mother's car was hit by a driver under the influence of drugs in 2009.

NSW Family Planning Director of Medical Services Deb Bateson said the bill could further restrict women's access to lawful abortions.