Media Release 1 August 2007

WOMEN'S BODIES, WOMEN'S CHOICES: Women's Health West Welcomes Decriminalisation of Abortion

Women's Health West commends The Hon Candy Broad's Crimes (Decriminalisation of Abortion) Bill 2007, a Private Member's Bill to remove abortion from the Victorian Crimes Act (1958).

"Control of reproductive decision-making is vitally important to women both in their individual lives and as a condition of all women's freedom and equality. Termination of pregnancy, at any stage, has no place in the Crimes Act," stated Lisa Field, acting Chair of the Board of Women's Health West.

"Reliable, timely and well-planned access to abortion is a public health right currently inhibited by the legal uncertainty surrounding the procedure here in Victoria.

"This new Bill trusts women to exercise their right to make important and informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and provides for uniform access to safe, legal and affordable abortion.

"The 2003 Australian Survey of Social Attitudes found that 81% of Australians, regardless of gender or religion, agree that 'women should have the right to choose an abortion.' The protection of women and doctors from prosecution brings legislation into line with community support for the decriminalisation of abortion.

"Women's Health West rejects any amendments to the Crimes (Decriminalisation of Abortion) Bill 2007 that increase barriers to women's access to termination procedures", said Ms Field.

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