The Rudd Government has received an ultimatum immediately overturn the ban on foreign aid for abortion services or face a Senate motion to lift the restriction.
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said yesterday the Government would outline its position in the near future.
But Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said the Government had already had more than 12 months to overturn these ''archaic and dangerous restrictions'' but had failed to act.
''The Government's assurances that it will do something soon are starting to ring hollow after all this time,'' she said.
If the minister failed to lift the ban within the next parliamentary sitting, the Greens would attempt to amend legislation that provides continuing funding for AusAID programs.
AusAID partner organisations were banned from using funds for ''activities that involve abortion training or services, or research, trials or activities which directly involve abortion drugs''.
It was imposed more than a decade ago at the urging of Independent senator Brian Harradine, who retired from politics in mid-2005.
The Greens would try to amend AusAID's appropriation Bill, making the restrictions unlawful if the Rudd Government failed to act.
Senator Hanson-Young said, ''The Greens will be requesting a conscience vote on this matter.
''It is no secret that there is much internal pressure on the Foreign Affairs Minister as well as support within the Opposition with regard to overturning these restrictions.
''If Minister Smith cannot find the will to allow Australia's foreign aid to flow fairly to programs that will undoubtedly save the lives of women in our region, the Greens will move to ensure that the funding of such programs is not merely at the whim of the minister of the day.''
But Mr Smith said it was purely a matter for ministerial discretion.
''So I'm unsure what Senate resolutions may or may not have so far as an impact on that is concerned,'' he said.
''As I've made clear, I regard this as an issue where there are strong views, firmly held, on either side.
''I haven't indicated a personal view or a personal preference.
''I'll announce mine and the Government's decision in the very very near future.
''But the various views that are expressed, I think, ought to be given the nature of what we're dealing with respected, irrespective of whether or not you agree with them.''
Family First senator Steve Fielding, who shares the balance of power in the Upper House, is strongly opposed to lifting the ban.
He argues the Government will take the ''easy option'' if it allows a conscience vote.
''Family First opposes abortion and opposes diverting scarce aid funds to this practice,'' Senator Fielding said yesterday.
''I spoke to the Prime Minister's office yesterday and stressed that this ban must remain.
''More than 500,000 women die in pregnancy and childbirth in the Third World every year, that's one woman dying in childbirth every minute of every day in impoverished countries. Why aren't the Greens advocating for those women?''
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