Abortion access in Australia: How it works state by state
8 years, 1 month ago

Abortion access in Australia: How it works state by state

ABC  

A young woman in Australia looks at her pregnancy test. “We think there are about 80,000 a year,”Associate Professor Louise Keogh, a health sociologist at the University of Melbourne told Hack, “But the figures are old and not great because we don’t collect any routine statistics.” “Over their lifetime, the estimates are between a third and a quarter of all women will have an abortion.” When it comes to accessing an abortion, every state and territory in Australia is different. Last month, the state’s new Women’s minister Tanya Davies came under fire for her personal “pro-life” stance, however NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian stressed there was no “policy change” in the Government’s stance on the issue. There’s also exclusion zones around abortion clinics in the state: protesters or “footpath interference” can’t happen in the 150 metres surrounding a clinic. In order to access an abortion in South Australia, two doctors also have to agree that the pregnancy would be harmful to the woman’s health, or if there is risk of the child being seriously physically or mentally handicapped.

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History of this topic

Abortion is legal in Australia, but doctors say an 'unspoken ban' is robbing women in regional and rural areas of the right to choose
5 months ago

Abortion is legal in Australia, but doctors say an 'unspoken ban' is robbing women in regional and rural areas of the right to choose

ABC  

A mother of two is browsing the racks of kids' clothing to pass time before her scheduled surgery, when she receives the call that almost breaks her. In a statement to the ABC, the Southern NSW LHD said it supports women's access to "safe, high quality abortion services including access to medical terminations". The spokesperson said the LHD is currently …

Abortion becomes a Queensland election issue
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Abortion becomes a Queensland election issue

ABC  

ALEXANDRA BLUCHER, REPORTER: Ana and Josh Starrenburg are deep in the newborn bubble with their son, Matteo. ALEXANDRA BLUCHER: In 2018 all but three of the party’s MPs voted against decriminalisation including leader David Crisafulli and his deputy Jarrod Bleijie. ALEXANDRA BLUCHER: Rosie O’Brien fell pregnant last May but made the agonising decision not to proceed during a traumatic relationship …

ACT becomes first jurisdiction to offer free abortions as Canberra patients shed light on troubling experiences
1 year, 11 months ago

ACT becomes first jurisdiction to offer free abortions as Canberra patients shed light on troubling experiences

ABC  

Canberrans seeking an abortion will be able to access the healthcare service free of charge from today, as the ACT government's pledge to make reproductive care more accessible becomes a reality. Key points: Abortions will be free for Canberrans up until 16 weeks' gestation The ACT government has pledged $4.6 million over four years Canberra's peak body for women's health …

Inquiry into abortion services in the ACT region hears many find it difficult to access that form of healthcare
2 years, 5 months ago

Inquiry into abortion services in the ACT region hears many find it difficult to access that form of healthcare

ABC  

International student Rylee experienced weeks of stress and fear after she had unprotected sex and realised her period was late. Key points: A young Canadian student told an ACT Legislative Assembly inquiry there are few options to have an abortion in the ACT Free abortions will be available in the ACT from mid-2023 A Canberra GP says few people know …

South Australia decriminalised abortion more than a year ago, but nothing has changed
2 years, 10 months ago

South Australia decriminalised abortion more than a year ago, but nothing has changed

ABC  

While the future of abortion access in the United States makes international headlines, South Australia is behind the rest of Australia in implementing its new abortion laws. Key points: It has been 15 months since South Australia decriminalised abortion but its laws are yet to be enacted Advocates say it is leading to unnecessary harm for those seeking an abortion …

Amid a shortfall in abortion services for women in regional Queensland, questions of equality are raised
3 years ago

Amid a shortfall in abortion services for women in regional Queensland, questions of equality are raised

ABC  

Abortion in Queensland is legal. "None of this additional support is covered by Queensland Health patient travel, nor is it considered by hospitals when making decisions not to provide compassionate abortion care locally," Ms Kelleher said. Family and domestic violence support services: If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 Women's …

SA women face delays accessing abortions with historic law reforms yet to be enacted
3 years ago

SA women face delays accessing abortions with historic law reforms yet to be enacted

ABC  

Doctors are calling on the South Australian government to urgently enact abortion reforms as women continue to face barriers accessing the procedure more than a year after new laws passed. Key points: Abortion reforms passed parliament in March last year when the procedure was decriminalised Doctors say the law is yet to be enacted Women are struggling to access the …

Unique SA legal requirement adds hurdles for country women accessing abortions
4 years, 7 months ago

Unique SA legal requirement adds hurdles for country women accessing abortions

ABC  

Regional doctors in remote South Australia are joining lobbyists in Adelaide calling for abortion law reform to be pushed through Parliament urgently, saying the current laws are placing barriers to termination access, particularly for regional women. Key points: Abortion in South Australia is legislated in the state's crimes act, last reformed in 1969 An Adelaide hospital gynaecologist and obstetrician says …

Abortion decriminalized in Sydney after Australian lawmakers overturn 119-year-old law
5 years, 6 months ago

Abortion decriminalized in Sydney after Australian lawmakers overturn 119-year-old law

CNN  

CNN — Abortion has now been decriminalized in almost all of Australia after the country’s most populous state voted to overturn a 119-year-old law. On Thursday, lawmakers in New South Wales – which is home to Sydney – voted to pass a bill that decriminalizes abortion and makes terminations available to people who are less than 22 weeks pregnant. “For …

Australia's Largest State Lifts Abortion Restrictions
5 years, 6 months ago

Australia's Largest State Lifts Abortion Restrictions

NPR  

Australia's Largest State Lifts Abortion Restrictions Enlarge this image toggle caption Brook Mitchell/Getty Images Brook Mitchell/Getty Images Lawmakers in Sydney have voted to decriminalize abortion in the country's most populous state, overturning legal restrictions that have been in place since the start of the 20th century. In the weeks leading up to the historic vote, Australian abortion opponents organized public …

Abortion bill passes NSW Parliament after weeks of debate — here's what's in it
5 years, 6 months ago

Abortion bill passes NSW Parliament after weeks of debate — here's what's in it

ABC  

It took eight weeks of protests, public blood-letting from the Liberal Party, threats to plunge the Government into minority and even an abandoned move on Gladys Berejiklian's leadership. They include: Removing abortion from the Crimes Act Allowing an abortion up to 22 weeks gestation Allowing an abortion after 22 weeks gestation with the approval of two "specialist medical practitioners" A …

How does NSW's proposed abortion law compare with other states?
5 years, 6 months ago

How does NSW's proposed abortion law compare with other states?

ABC  

A bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW is causing tension within the Coalition Government, headed by Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Key points: A bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW is currently being debated in State Parliament Regulations around gestation, conscientious objection and counselling differ from state to state According to Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the bill, the bill is …

Abortion bill in NSW set to change laws dating back to 1900
5 years, 8 months ago

Abortion bill in NSW set to change laws dating back to 1900

ABC  

New South Wales MPs from across the political divide have united in a bid to decriminalise abortion, an offence based on legislation dating back to 1900. Key points: The Crimes Act 1900 includes abortion as an offence punishable by 10 years in prison The new bill is based on legislation introduced in Queensland last year Independent MP for Sydney Alex …

Access to abortion in regional Australia still depends on 'your postcode and your income'
5 years, 11 months ago

Access to abortion in regional Australia still depends on 'your postcode and your income'

ABC  

Nearly 20 years ago when Anna was 21 she had an unplanned pregnancy, at the time she was living in far north Queensland and abortion was still under the criminal code. Rise of tele-abortions For women in regional and rural areas of Australia, access to abortion has drastically improved with the availability of medical abortions. "The biggest obstacle to changing …

Abortion services lacking in regional NSW, placing stress on women
6 years, 5 months ago

Abortion services lacking in regional NSW, placing stress on women

ABC  

Women seeking abortions in regional NSW are being forced to travel long distances, pay large sums or self-terminate their pregnancies due to poor access to publicly-funded services, according to caseworkers. Key points: Regional and rural access to abortion services is "extremely poor", one expert says Health workers say domestic violence victims are among those most affected by the lack of …

NSW abortion laws in spotlight after Queensland MPs vote to decriminalise pregnancy terminations
6 years, 5 months ago

NSW abortion laws in spotlight after Queensland MPs vote to decriminalise pregnancy terminations

ABC  

Abortion's criminal status in NSW is back in the spotlight, after the State Opposition promised to review pregnancy termination laws which date to 1900. Key points: Abortions can only be performed in NSW if physical or mental health is endangered A previous attempt to change the law failed because some MPs were concerned about the lack of detail in a …

Abortion legalised in Queensland after historic vote in Parliament
6 years, 5 months ago

Abortion legalised in Queensland after historic vote in Parliament

ABC  

Nineteenth-century laws making abortion illegal in Queensland have been scrapped, in one of the state's biggest legislative reforms. Key points: The new laws mean women will be able to access abortion up to 22 weeks' gestation All MPs were given a conscience vote, passing the bill 50 to 41 The decision is the first change to the law in 119 …

Abortion laws that once led to police raids and arrests may be scrapped
6 years, 5 months ago

Abortion laws that once led to police raids and arrests may be scrapped

ABC  

Thirty-three years ago Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen ordered police raids on Queensland's abortion clinics because terminating a pregnancy was illegal. In 1985 police burst through the doors of the Greenslopes Fertility Control Clinic — one of Queensland's only abortion facilities. "Abortion was a very controversial issue and although it was sought by very many people, it was not talked about," Ms …

Renewed push to change 'discriminatory' and 'inadequate' abortion laws in South Australia
6 years, 5 months ago

Renewed push to change 'discriminatory' and 'inadequate' abortion laws in South Australia

ABC  

A push to repeal South Australia's abortion law is underway, with a coalition lobbying state parliamentarians to remove abortion from the state's crimes act. Key points: SA abortion laws have been labelled as "inadequate" and "discriminatory" Coalition group is lobbying to have abortion removed from state crimes act Health Minister says he has discussed the laws with the Attorney-General The …

Fact check: Will Queensland's proposed abortion laws allow unrestricted access after 22 weeks?
6 years, 5 months ago

Fact check: Will Queensland's proposed abortion laws allow unrestricted access after 22 weeks?

ABC  

The claim Protestors have marched through the streets of Brisbane voicing their opposition to proposed changes to abortion laws in Queensland. Would Queensland's proposed abortion laws allow unrestricted access to abortion after 22 weeks? While abortions would be available on request up to 22 weeks, the bill would require two doctors to consider "all the circumstances" before performing an abortion …

Inside Australia's only private clinic providing late surgical abortions
6 years, 6 months ago

Inside Australia's only private clinic providing late surgical abortions

ABC  

The journey to the Marie Stopes clinic in Melbourne's east is a harrowing one for the 200 or so women who go there each year for a procedure denied to them elsewhere. "Not a single one of these women will make that choice lightly," said Dr Herbert, who asked that her first name be withheld. "It is a passion of …

Proposed Queensland abortion laws will improve access for regional and remote women, pro-choice advocates say
6 years, 8 months ago

Proposed Queensland abortion laws will improve access for regional and remote women, pro-choice advocates say

ABC  

Pro-choice advocates have thrown their support behind proposed changes to Queensland's abortion laws, saying it will give women in regional and remote areas better access to services. "In the north and west of Queensland there is certainly a high proportion of medical practitioners who are conscientious objectors, but we do also believe that many medical practitioners have been fearful of …

Abortion law overhaul move 'long time coming', but where did it start and what happens next?
6 years, 8 months ago

Abortion law overhaul move 'long time coming', but where did it start and what happens next?

ABC  

As the Queensland Government moves closer towards decriminalising abortion, politicians are choosing their words carefully ahead of what is expected to be an emotional debate when it goes before Parliament later this year. Abortion would be allowed "on request" up to 22 weeks, although a doctor would be permitted to conscientiously object and refer the woman to a different practitioner. …

Queensland may soon overturn 19th century abortion laws
6 years, 8 months ago

Queensland may soon overturn 19th century abortion laws

ABC  

Abortion has been a jailable offence in Queensland since 1899, but that may soon change with government-backed legislation to decriminalise the procedure going to parliament next month. In December last year, the state's Labor government asked the Queensland Law Reform Commission to look into abortion law reforms. It includes: Abortion available up to 22 weeks Abortion available up to 22 …

Abortion still illegal in Queensland but change could be on the way
6 years, 10 months ago

Abortion still illegal in Queensland but change could be on the way

ABC  

While Ireland has just overwhelmingly voted to repeal its ban on abortion, terminating a pregnancy remains a crime in Queensland except in certain circumstances that do not include rape. Under the Criminal Code Act, which dates back to 1899, a woman who "unlawfully" has an abortion in Queensland can be sent to prison for up to seven years. Last year, …

Is abortion legal in Australia? It's complicated
6 years, 10 months ago

Is abortion legal in Australia? It's complicated

ABC  

Navigating abortion law in Australia is no easy feat. The bill will allow women to access to an abortion in the first 22 weeks of pregnancy, with a provision that terminations beyond that point must be approved by two doctors. Where to find help: Family Planning Alliance Australia has links to state and territory sexual health services Marie Stopes Australia …

Tasmanian election: Liberals stand by plan to send women interstate for abortions
7 years, 2 months ago

Tasmanian election: Liberals stand by plan to send women interstate for abortions

ABC  

A women's lobby group has attacked the Tasmania Liberals for continuing to block access to state-funded abortions. "This is another health procedure just like any other that needs to be provided appropriate treatment and access through the public system," Ms White said. "I find it outrageous, the Premier has denied women in Tasmania access to this procedure in the public …

Abortion laws making it harder for women to escape domestic violence, expert warns
7 years, 9 months ago

Abortion laws making it harder for women to escape domestic violence, expert warns

ABC  

Pregnant women in violent relationships are being further victimised by laws that criminalise abortion in some parts of Australia, doctors and health experts say. Key points: Under Queensland law, rape, incest and fetal anomaly are not sufficient grounds for an abortion Abortion services say one-third of their work is with abused women Abortion is legal if practitioner believes a women's …

The fight for abortion law reform: Have feminists dropped the ball?
8 years, 4 months ago

The fight for abortion law reform: Have feminists dropped the ball?

ABC  

The election of Donald Trump has thrilled the pro-life movement in America, and may strengthen it here, too. "If feminists took their broad-ranging views firmly into the public arena and just insisted on them, we could," Dr Wainer, the inaugural secretary of the Abortion Law Reform Association in 1968, says. "It wasn't that the effort wasn't there," writer, feminist and …

Bligh out of touch on abortion
15 years, 5 months ago

Bligh out of touch on abortion

ABC  

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has misjudged public opinion on abortion laws, a new study has found. The study of public opinion in Australia and Queensland shows up to 60 per cent of voters believe women should have the right to an abortion if they wish. "Brisbane had 63 per cent saying women should be able to obtain an abortion readily …

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