Media Release 14 March 2008

GRAPHIC IMAGES TRAUMATISE WOMEN IN THE WEST

A number of local women have contacted Women's Health West (WHW) to complain about a pamphlet that they had received from the so-called 'Truth Coalition'. This anti-abortion group included graphic images of foetuses in an envelope titled 'to the adult householder: viewer discretion advised'.

Sally Camilleri of Footscray said, "I felt violated and tricked by the ambiguous warning. This group should have indicated who they were on the front of the material, so I could have chosen not to open it". Another woman, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she found the images particularly disturbing because of a recent miscarriage. "Women lose babies in many ways", she stated "and these images hurt. Rather than getting my support, this pamphlet has quite the opposite reaction".

Dr Robyn Gregory, CEO of WHW, said the pamphlets are circulating because of a Victorian Law Reform Commission paper due on 28 March, advising the state government on options to remove abortion offences from the Crimes Act 1958. Premier Brumby last year requested advice on ways "to modernise and clarify the law" in line with community sentiment and agreed upon practices.

"Women should have access to safe and legal abortions," said Dr Gregory. "This means protecting women and their doctors from prosecution through an outdated law." Dr Gregory is clear that services should be developed with the explicit aim of promoting women's health and reproductive freedom. "Control over decision-making should lie with the pregnant woman, without pressure, or judgement as to the reasons for her decision."

Lisa Field, Chair of WHW's Board says that, "We have the opportunity to make the most extraordinary advance in achieving equality for women - by decriminalising abortion, explicitly confirming a woman's right and ability to make decisions that shape her life and that of her family, and ensuring access to the full range of reproductive health services. This year - the anniversary of women being granted the vote in Victoria - is the perfect time for this to happen."

Despite having a minority view, the 'Truth Coalition' is clearly spending a great deal of money to try to convince Victorians that theirs is the majority view. In fact:

over 80% of the community support women's choice in relation to abortion (Wilson et al, 2003)

abortion is a safe option for women when performed by a competent well-trained provider

WHW encourage readers to write to local MPs, to ensure that the views of all Victorians, who are overwhelmingly in favour of both the provision of safe and accessible abortion and a woman's right to choose, are fairly represented.

If readers wish to make a complaint about the pamphlet, write to the Advertising Standards Bureau at administration@adstandards.com.au.

Robyn Gregory, CEO of Women's Health West is available for comment on 03 9689 9588

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information contact Nicola Harte, Communications Co-ordinator at Women's Health West on 9689 9588 or email nicolah@whwest.org.au or contact on the day on 0432 637 933. For all other general media enquiries contact us via email.