The SA Law Reform Institute was asked to look at the current legislation by Attorney-General Vickie Chapman.

Its report proposes two alternative models, one that would allow abortion at all gestational stages and one that would require two medical practitioners to agree a termination was medically appropriate if requested after 24 weeks.

Institute director John Williams said the current abortion laws dated back to 1969 and were outdated in various respects.

"The legal framework and criminal law focus has an adverse effect on both patients and health staff, and creates additional barriers to accessing relevant services for women in rural, regional, remote and Aboriginal communities," Professor Williams said on Thursday.

"We have recommended two alternative models in our report, both of which recognise that women should be free to make their own informed decision as to whether or not they seek an abortion."

Professor Williams said the second approach recognised that terminations at a later stage often involved complications, distress, complexities and higher risks to a pregnant woman.

At present, laws related to abortions form part of the state's criminal code and, in some instances, provide for sentences of life imprisonment.

The institute said such measures were outdated, were at odds with other states and territories and no longer reflected contemporary clinical practice or medical advances.

The state government will now consider the institute's recommendations.

Australian Associated Press