Abortion

This short article is intended to inform women about abortion, it is not for abortion or against it, it will provide a few facts about abortion and some useful website links and other avenues for finding out more information or getting help.

SOME FACTS ON ABORTION IN AUSTRALIA

1. 80 000 to 100 000 abortions are performed every year, representing one abortion for every four pregnancies.
2. Around one in three Australian women will undergo an abortion.
3. Studies show that between half to two thirds of all women presenting for abortion were using contraception at the time.
4. The Health Insurance Commission funds most abortions through Medicare.
5. Only a limited number of hospitals will perform abortions as they tend to follow the law stringently, whereas freestanding clinics tend to interpret the law more broadly.

The typical profile of a woman receiving an abortion is;

* In her 20’s
* Single
* Childless
* Well educated
* Employed

A major obstacle for Australian women facing the decision of having an abortion is the discrepancies in the abortion legislation from state to state.

In most states abortion is still considered a criminal act, it is only lawful if certain criteria are adhered to, for example;

A doctor who performs an abortion is excused (from criminal prosecution) if two doctors agree that:

1. the continuance of the pregnancy would involve greater risk to the life, physical or mental health of the woman or
2. the wellbeing of existing siblings is under threat if the pregnancy were to continue;
3. or that there is a substantial risk that any child born would be seriously physically or mentally handicapped.

There is also a provision excusing abortions performed by doctors in emergencies.

SOME USEFUL SOURCES FOR INFORMATION AND HELP

http://www.fpahealth.org.au/index.html Family Planning NSW website, links to a variety of sexual health based resources and services.

http://www.childrenbychoice.org.au Information on abortion also has links to Brisbane counselling services and options.

http://reachout.com.au/default.asp?ti=2196 Info on abortion and issues surrounding it. Also covers a wide range of other issues and help options.

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Abortion_in_Australia?OpenDocument Info on abortion in Australia, but links are to Victorian info.

http://www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/womens-health/index.php?pageid=555&siteid=180 this is a link to the Tweed Valley/ North Coast Area Health Service. Really useful for obtaining help in your local area.

HEALTH INFORMATION FOR WOMEN including Pregnancy Counselling and Family Planning:
· Tweed Heads (07) 55067540
· Murwillumbah (02) 66709400
· Kingscliff (02) 66749500

For further information contact:
Women’s Health Nurse, Tweed Heads Community Health
Florence St, Tweed Heads 2485 NSW
Ph (07) 55067540

Compiled by Fiona King