FORMER State MP Bonny Barry has apologised for not leading the charge to pass reforms to Queensland's controversial abortion laws while she had the chance.

Ms Barry, who represented the Brisbane seat of Aspley from 2001 to 2009, told reporters outside Cairns Courthouse this morning former Premier Peter Beattie told her if someone was ever charged under the laws, he would seek to change them.

Cairns couple Tegan Simon Leach and Sergie Brennan will today face trial in Cairns District Court for procuring a miscarriage and supplying drugs to procure an abortion respectively.

Ms Barry said she was sorry for letting her loyalty to her leadership team prevent her from changing the legislation.

“I’m here today to make amends and say sorry that I didn’t (change the legislation),” she said.

“I should have done this, so I am here today to fight back in some way.

“It is absolutely wrong to keep these sections within the criminal code.”

She said while Mr Beattie had told her he would change the legislation if anyone was ever charged, she did not get the same promise from current Premier Anna Bligh.

She said Ms Bligh had told her she believed the numbers were not there to pass the reforms.

“It is not an easy thing in politics to stand against your leader,” Ms Barry said.

“I’m here to say to my colleagues and comrades ‘don’t make the same mistake I did’.

"I know that there are plenty of people in that parliament at the moment who feel very strongly about this issue."

About 30 pro-choice protestors have gathered out the front of Cairns Courthouse, armed with banners and signs.

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