Media Release 2 June 2008

WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS: KEY TO ABORTION LAW REFORM

Women's Health West (WHW) congratulates the Victorian Law Reform Commission for their comprehensive report recommending ways to remove abortion from the Crimes Act 1958.

The report outlined three options that will now be considered by government, all of which decriminalise abortion.

The first option gives complete control over decision-making to doctors at any stage of a woman's pregnancy and after 24 weeks gestation in the second option.

"Women's Health West endorses the third option, Model C, which trusts pregnant women to make decisions about the outcome of their pregnancy at any stage", said Lisa Field, Chair of the Board of Women's Health West.

"Let's decriminalise abortion once and do it well. This will stop the endless debate and, importantly, allow abortion to be regulated in the same way that we regulate all other medical procedures," she said.

It also brings abortion into line with community sentiment, given that over 80% of the community support women's choice in relation to abortion.

Dr Robyn Gregory, CEO of Women's Health West, adds her support to Model C.

"This model trusts women to make important and informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health, without pressure, or judgement", she said.

WHW encourage readers to urge their local MPs to support Model C, guaranteeing all women the right to make decisions about their bodies, their fertility and their lives.

We have included information about how to contact local MPs on our website www.whwest.org.au in the 'Do Your Bit Action Kit'.

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.