skip navigation |
large text |
normal text |
tell a friend
Women's Health West
DO YOUR BIT: ACTION KIT
1. Write a letter to the editor
Letters to the editor are a powerful tool allowing you to influence readers of a newspaper, journal, or magazine by responding to an article or editorial printed by the publication. Remember that your letter can discuss any of the broad range of pro-choice issues, including comprehensive sex education and access to contraception.
2. Become a local 'electorate watcher'
By reading local newspapers, noting what you receive in your letterbox regarding abortion and choice and feeding this information back to us. We hear that MPs are again starting to receive emails from anti-choice/Right to Life type associations. Whenever you hear about this or other anti-choice activity such as letterboxing, collect these and send them to us so we know what we are up against.
3. Write to your local MP
You can take action by writing to your local MP and encouraging others to do likewise. We have written a sample letter for your use. You are welcome to use our newsletter articles and submission to help you write your letter.
4. Meet with your local MP
Make an appointment to visit your local MP to express your support for women's right to control over reproductive decision-making. Here are some key points that you might like to use to inform your meeting and some general and tips on lobbying a politician from Senator Lyn Allison
5. Speak to your union or professional association
A number of unions are influential and can be approached for support to decriminalise abortion, especially those larger unions who have had MPs formerly work for them. Health Union members Health Services Union, Australian Nurses Federation, Australian Medical Association, are often vulnerable to prosecution while abortion is in the Crimes Act, so you might want to ask whether they will support their members by campaigning for the decriminalisation of abortion.
6. Support a state and national women's health policy
Neither Victoria nor Australia has a women's health policy. Support for such a policy that includes women's access to a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion, is also an important step for women. View - Summary 10 point plan
7. Phone talkback radio
Phone talkback radio at relevant times to discuss the campaign or a bill once it is proposed - using some of the notes described here for further information if you wish. This medium reaches many thousands of people at a time. Call:
8. Organise a petition in your local area
Gather signatures from friends, family, neighbours and colleagues, then send these to WHW and we will collate them and present them to our local MPs.
Petition - Legislative Assembly of Victoria
Petition - Legislative Council of Victoria
9. Donate to WHW to support the campaign
Donations to WHW are tax deductible. You could support us by making a donation for this or another purpose that supports women's health and wellbeing.
10. Read and register your support for the Melbourne Declaration
This declaration came out of a conference held in Melbourne last November to examine access to abortion and related topics.
11. Send us your story
Women's voices are rarely heard on the topic of abortion, as we are often nervous about publicly sharing our private experiences - especially if we think that we might be harassed or shamed. However, our stories are powerful in explaining the importance of change to our politicians. You might want to write your story - including anonymously - so that we can let politicians now what it is like for women in the process of decision-making and accessing abortion.
12. Add your views to your facebook or myspace page
This is a terrific spot to add your views and suggest your friends get involved as well.
13. Encourage your doctor or other influential people you know to support the decriminalisation of abortion
Think about "who do I know?" and "what can I do?" to support this important move in recognition of women's human right to self determination.
14. Write to us with your ideas
Please let us know if you have other ideas that you think we could add to this list.
Informative links
Links to a range of informative websites that provide information about abortion.