Vic premier rules out abortion law reform

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine says that while he is leader he will not let independent MP Geoff Shaw introduce changes to abortion laws.

"While I am premier, I will not allow Mr Shaw to introduce any legislation seeking to change abortion laws in Victoria," Dr Napthine told reporters on Wednesday.

Dr Napthine says Mr Shaw has raised the issue of abortion law reform with him.

Mr Shaw last week lashed out at fellow MPs as "moral cowards" for their refusal to debate state abortion laws, which he has labelled among some of the worst in the world.

Mr Shaw, the former Liberal MP who took the balance of power in Victoria's lower house when he turned independent last year, has been working on a private member's bill to introduce radical changes to state abortion laws including outlawing gender-selection and late-term abortions.

But he has conceded having the issue debated in parliament would be difficult given the premier has made it clear neither he nor any member of his government would change the legislation.