DLP senator John Madigan will introduce a private member's bill on Wednesday seeking to remove Medicare funding for abortions ''procured on the basis of gender selection''.

Senator Madigan, who could hold a balance-of-power vote in the Senate after the September election, told Fairfax Media he would ''seek support from other politicians who are on the record as being pro-life''.

John Madigan. Credit:Andrew Meares

Senator Madigan said he had ''seen data that abortion on the basis of gender selection is happening overseas and that means it is likely to be happening here'' although he conceded it was ''difficult to get Australian data'' on the issue.

Senator Madigan would need the support of the major parties for his bill to be brought to a vote, or even to be fully debated. But the Victorian senator has said he is determined to air his strong pro-life views.