The Bill, to remove abortion from the Crimes Act and allow for pregnancy terminations for up 24 weeks gestation, and beyond with the approval of two doctors, appeared set to pass through the State's Upper House yesterday.

Mr Hall said he thought long and hard about the issue, but supported the Bill in order to open discussion about ways to reduce abortions.

``I know and have no doubt that parts of my electorate - and probably parts of my party as well - will find my decision this afternoon disappointing,'' he said.

``It has been a discussion somewhat veiled in secrecy because of what I believe is the criminality aspect of the procedure.

``We need to be more open about it, and we need to be talking to women, partners and families across the state and trying to support them in the very traumatic and complex decisions they have to make in respect of abortion.''

Mr Hall said even if the Bill was defeated, nothing would change.

``I argue that if this Bill is supported by the parliament, it will in some sense help address the abortion rate if we as a society become more open about the topic and are prepared to discuss it with reason and rational thought,'' he said.

As of yesterday morning, fellow Eastern Victoria MLC Philip Davis had yet to declare his voting intention.

If the Bill is passed, some MPs are expected to push for amendments to reduce the legal period of abortion from 24 to 20 weeks.