The Justice Minister says even if abortion is removed from the Crimes Act, legal protections must remain for unborn children.

The current legal starting point for abortion is that it is illegal, with women having to prove they will suffer mental or physical harm if forced to continue their pregnancy.

The Government's currently considering changes to abortion law, after a plea from the Abortion Supervisory Committee.

Minister Andrew Little told Kate Hawkesby there must be legal recognition of instances of women losing pregnancies during violent assaults.

"You do want that to be reflected in the criminal law, that is different to a plain assault on a woman."

LISTEN TO ANDREW LITTLE TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY ABOVE