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Article Health & wellbeing

How to be an abortion ally

Abortion is safe, legal and common in Australia. 

By being an abortion ally you can help counteract shame and stigma within your community, which will then help people feel more supported in accessing abortions.

Throughout this week we will be looking at important facts about abortion, exploring different ways to be an abortion ally, and how the Victorian Women’s Health Services are working to improve abortion access. 

If you need to explore your pregnancy and abortion options you can contact 1800 My Options by phone or website. They offer information, support, and can link you to abortion and options counselling services.

1800 My Options also has abortion providers listed by language, and work with interpreters, trans friendly services, the National Relay Service and support workers.

It’s important to know the facts so you can be an abortion ally.

Did you know half of all pregnancies in Australia are unplanned? More than 1 in 4 women in Australia will experience abortion in their lifetime. 

There are many barriers people face when accessing abortion.

  1. People who live in rural areas face travelling long distances which costs time and money.
  2. Many health professionals object to prescribing or providing abortion medication. 
  3. It can be hard to find abortion care that is culturally appropriate or suitable for the LGBTQIA+ community. 
  4. Surgical abortion is even more difficult to access than medical abortion.

Looking for more facts? Here’s where you can look:

There are many ways to be an abortion ally

Supporting friends and family during unexpected pregnancies is something we can all do. You can be an abortion ally by giving a friend a lift or staying with them through an appointment. 

  • How to support your loved ones;
  • Help them travel to and from appointments. 
  • Stay with them for support. 
  • Share trusted resources and information. 
  • Check in with them and offer support.

By being an abortion ally you can help counteract shame and stigma within your community, which will then help people feel more supported in accessing abortions.

If you or someone you know needs to explore pregnancy and abortion options you can contact 1800 My Options by phone (1800 696 784) or website. They offer information, support, and can link you to abortion and options counselling services.

Remember it’s their choice. Support their decision. 

The Victorian Women’s Health Services Network are abortion allies.

They’ve been working over the past 30 years to improve access to abortion care. 

They raise awareness about the importance of abortion among communities, service providers, health planners and policy makers. They also provide training, develop resources, gather lived experience data and support the Victorian Government to increase access to sexual and reproductive health services across the state. 

Their vision is that our sexual and reproductive health service system is patient-centred, culturally safe and accessible to all Victorians. 

For more information about the Victorian Women’s Health Services Network and the work they do, check out Women’s Health Services Network (whsn.org.au)

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