THE Queensland parliament has set aside the entire sitting week this week to debate laws to decriminalise abortion in the state.

The measures would see abortion removed from the criminal code and made a health issue, allowing women to terminate pregnancies up to 22 weeks’ gestation.

The Labor government and the LNP opposition have granted their MPs a conscience vote on the issue, meaning at least a few LNP members would need to vote for the laws to ensure they are passed.

The debate is expected to be longer than usual and will likely take the whole three-day sitting of parliament.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington have called for a respectful debate on the delicate issue.

Ms Palaszczuk on Monday said the issue was sensitive for many MPs but she hoped history could be made this week.

“I want to ensure that if any member of the House wants to speak, they are given the opportunity to speak,” she said “This is a very emotional issue for many people but this is also our once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to take this out of the criminal code.” The premier has previously indicated her support for the change while Ms Frecklington has flagged she’ll be voting against it.

Under the changes, abortion would be allowed after 22 weeks, with the approval of two separate doctors.

They would also enforce safe zones around clinics and medical facilities offering the procedure to stop staff and patients being harassed by anti- abortion activists.