Women consulted on Abortion

Albany women and other stakeholders can have their say on the State Government’s reform to WA’s abortion laws for the next four weeks. Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson, pictured, said it was time to modernise and update WA’s laws. “Safe and accessible abortions for Western Australians are important and we want to hear from women and stakeholders on the key issues,” she said. “It can be particularly difficult for women in regional and remote WA, where access to GPs may be limited and where access to care is time-critical. “Western Australian women should not face greater barriers to healthcare than their interstate counterparts.” Feedback will be sought on issues including the need for a GP referral to obtain an abortion before 20 weeks gestation, mandatory counselling requirements, the gestational timing of when an abortion can be accessed, and the ministerial panel and its role. The Bill is expected to fully decriminalise abortion, with the criminal code offence to be repealed. It will still remain illegal for an unqualified person to perform or assist with an abortion. “The criminal law has no role to play in regulating access to legitimate abortion services,” Attorney-General John Quigley said. “The criminal code currently raises the risk for medical practitioners and patients that an abortion may be considered a criminal act if certain strict legal requirements are not met. “It is entirely inappropriate that such a crucial healthcare service is dealt with in this way. “It is time to fully decriminalise abortion in Western Australia, while ensuring that it remains the case that an unqualified person is prohibited from performing or assisting with an abortion.” WA’s abortion laws, which have remained unchanged for 25 years, mean some women choose to travel interstate to access care that is either unlawful in WA or is challenging to access. Women’s Interests Minister Simone McGurk said the reform was another step in improving access to abortion care in WA. “Abortion is a fundamental part of women’s healthcare — it’s a right that should be fiercely protected,” she said. More information can be found at: