- Cook Government's new
abortion laws in effect from today
- Improved access for
women seeking abortion services
- Widespread support
for the laws that bring WA in line with other Australian jurisdictions
Western Australia's new abortion laws are now in effect, cementing
access to equitable and improved healthcare for women across the State.
The new laws decriminalise abortion, remove
clinically unnecessary barriers for women and bring Western Australia in
line with other Australian jurisdictions.
Public consultation showed widespread support from both health
professionals and the community for these historic reforms, which will:
- reduce the number of health practitioners
required to be involved in most abortions from two to one;
- allow nurse practitioners and endorsed
midwives to prescribe abortion drugs within their scope of practice;
- remove the requirement for mandatory
counselling; and
- remove the requirement for Ministerial
approval for a health service to perform late abortions.
Health practitioners are permitted to conscientiously
object, but they are required to refer the patient to another practitioner or
provide information on where to access care.
The gestational limit at which additional requirements apply
has been changed from 20 to 23 weeks to best reflect current clinical practice
and better align with other jurisdictions.
More information can be found from a medical practitioner, or on the
HealthyWA website: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Abortion
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"My
Government is committed to improving access to healthcare right across our State,
and tackling the inequity faced by women in regional and remote WA.
"These
significant reforms will make it easier for women to access vital services -
regardless of where they live."
Comments attributed to Health Minister
Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Today
we welcome important and historic reform that protects a woman's right to
access a critical aspect of healthcare – safe and accessible abortion.
"I
would like to thank Western Australian health professionals and the community
for their overwhelming supporting for this abortion reform."
Comments attributed to Attorney General
John Quigley:
"These new laws decriminalise abortion, which brings
Western Australia in line with other Australian
jurisdictions.
"This reflects the fact that abortion care is part of
everyday healthcare for women."
Comments attributed to Women's Interests
Minister Sue Ellery:
"Our
modernised abortion laws will reduce barriers for women seeking an abortion,
which is a fundamental component of women's health.
"These
laws bring WA in line with other jurisdictions, eliminating the need to travel
interstate for care."
