An amendment banning gender selection abortion has been voted down as debate around the abortion bill continues.

After hours of debate on Wednesday night, the amendment was defeated in the Upper House, 26 votes to 15.

The amendment was part of four key amendments demanded by rebel MPs who threatened to leave the party room over the issue.

Several MPs demanded gender selection abortions be banned as well as the addition of stronger protections against late-term abortions and medical mistake abortions.

Debate on the bill will continue this morning.

Image: Getty/ Brook Mitchell