Gynopedia needs your support! Please consider contributing content, translating a page, or making a donation today. With your support, we can sustain and expand the website. Gynopedia has no corporate sponsors or advertisers. Your support is crucial and deeply appreciated.

Australia: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Australia (view source)

Revision as of 15:27, 4 May 2020

1,501 bytes added ,  3 years ago
added infobox
No edit summary
(added infobox)
 
(6 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:


<!--T:1-->
<!--T:1-->
[[File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg.png|300px | thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="width:200px; border:1px solid black;float:right"
|-
|colspan="8" style="text-align:center"|[[File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg.png|300px | thumb|right|]]
|-
| '''Contraception: Over-the-Counter'''
| condoms
|-
| '''Contraception: Prescription Required’’’
| pills, IUDs, injectable, implant
|-
| '''Emergency Contraception'''
| no prescription required
|-
| '''STIs'''
| testing available; no travel restrictions
|-
| '''Menstrual Products'''
| pads, tampons, cups
|-
| '''Abortion Law'''
| laws depend on state; generally legal
|-
| '''LGBTQ Laws'''
| homosexuality legal
|-
| '''Related Pages'''
| [[Melbourne]], [[Sydney]]
|-
|}


<!--T:2-->
<!--T:2-->
Line 17: Line 45:
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:6-->
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:6-->


<!--T:103-->
[[File:Levlen australia.jpg|300px | thumb|left|frame|'''Levlen ED birth control pills purchased in Australia''']]
[[File:Levlen australia.jpg|300px | thumb|left|frame|'''Levlen ED birth control pills purchased in Australia''']]


Line 27: Line 56:
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== <!--T:9-->
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== <!--T:9-->


<!--T:104-->
[[File:Femme ed australia.jpg|200px | thumb|right|frame|'''Femme-Tab ED birth control pills purchased in Australia''']]
[[File:Femme ed australia.jpg|200px | thumb|right|frame|'''Femme-Tab ED birth control pills purchased in Australia''']]


Line 140: Line 170:
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:48-->
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:48-->


<!--T:105-->
In January 2019, the federal government officially abolished the GST (goods and services tax) from menstrual products sales. In the past, menstrual products were considered a "luxury," so a 10% tax was added to their sales.<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-03/tampon-tax-to-go-states-and-territories-agree-to-remove-gst/10332490 Tampon tax to go, with states and territories agreeing to remove GST from sanitary products]</ref>
In January 2019, the federal government officially abolished the GST (goods and services tax) from menstrual products sales. In the past, menstrual products were considered a "luxury," so a 10% tax was added to their sales.<ref>[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-03/tampon-tax-to-go-states-and-territories-agree-to-remove-gst/10332490 Tampon tax to go, with states and territories agreeing to remove GST from sanitary products]</ref>


<!--T:106-->
There have been some state initiatives to improve menstrual product access. For example, in the state of Victoria, the Victorian Women's Trust implemented paid period leave.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/03/health/period-leave-australia-explainer-intl/index.html Employer's paid period leave policy in Australia stirs world debate]</ref>
There have been some state initiatives to improve menstrual product access. For example, in the state of Victoria, the Victorian Women's Trust implemented paid period leave.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2018/10/03/health/period-leave-australia-explainer-intl/index.html Employer's paid period leave policy in Australia stirs world debate]</ref>


<!--T:107-->
'''Here are some Australian menstrual resources to check out:'''
'''Here are some Australian menstrual resources to check out:'''
* [https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/about-the-menstrual-cycle Jean Hailes Organisation - FAQ on the menstrual cycle]
* [https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/periods/about-the-menstrual-cycle Jean Hailes Organisation - FAQ on the menstrual cycle]
Line 162: Line 195:
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:53-->
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:53-->


<!--T:108-->
In the past, the Australian health care system recommended a "pap smear" every two years. However, in the last few years, the system has been completely overhauled and a "cervical screen" is now recommended, which is done every five years (if your results are clear). The cervical screen is considered more effective at finding health risks.<ref>[http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/the-pap-test-has-changed-more-accurate-less-often The Pap test has changed: More Accurate. Less Often.]</ref>
In the past, the Australian health care system recommended a "pap smear" every two years. However, in the last few years, the system has been completely overhauled and a "cervical screen" is now recommended, which is done every five years (if your results are clear). The cervical screen is considered more effective at finding health risks.<ref>[http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/the-pap-test-has-changed-more-accurate-less-often The Pap test has changed: More Accurate. Less Often.]</ref>


===What to Get & Where to Get It=== <!--T:54-->
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== <!--T:54-->


<!--T:109-->
* For local recommendations of gynecologists and women's clinics, please visit the city pages, such as the [[Melbourne]] and [[Sydney]] pages.
* You can get a cervical screen from your General Practitioner (GP) and, if you’re eligible for a Medicare card, they’re usually bulk billed.
* You can get a cervical screen from your General Practitioner (GP) and, if you’re eligible for a Medicare card, they’re usually bulk billed.


Line 187: Line 223:


<!--T:61-->
<!--T:61-->
'''Important Note:''' There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For more information about medical and surgical abortions, you can visit the [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/abortion/ Marie Stopes Australia abortion page].
'''Important Note:''' There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a series of pills to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For more information about medical and surgical abortions, you can visit the [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/abortion/ Marie Stopes Australia abortion page].


===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:62-->
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== <!--T:62-->
Line 195: Line 231:


<!--T:97-->
<!--T:97-->
In the state of Victoria, abortion is permitted for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, it is legal if two physicians agree that it is appropriate. All standard reasons for an abortion are permitted, including: to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, economic or social reasons, and available on request. Furthermore, Mifepristone (the abortion pill) was registered in 2012. The abortion laws in Victoria have been in place since the Abortion Law Reform Act (2008). Before that time, the Victorian Crimes Act, abortions were only permitted if the pregnancy threatened the life of health of the woman.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_Law_Reform_Act_2008_(Victoria) Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 (Victoria)]</ref>
In the state of Victoria, abortion is permitted for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, it is legal if two physicians agree that it is appropriate. All standard reasons for an abortion are permitted, including to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, economic or social reasons, and available on request. Furthermore, Mifepristone (the abortion pill) was registered in 2012. The abortion laws in Victoria have been in place since the Abortion Law Reform Act (2008). Before that time, the Victorian Crimes Act, abortions were only permitted if the pregnancy threatened the life of health of the woman.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_Law_Reform_Act_2008_(Victoria) Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 (Victoria)]</ref>


<!--T:98-->
<!--T:98-->
Line 201: Line 237:


<!--T:99-->
<!--T:99-->
In the state of New South Wales, abortion is technically a criminal offense. However, it is legally permitted in most scenarios, which include: when there is a medical, social, or economic reason that causes a "serious danger" to a pregnant person's life, or when negative health consequences may be felt by the pregnant person after the birth of the child. These rules are very general and broad, meaning that most people are able to find legal means of obtaining an abortion in New South Wales, even if abortion is technically not fully legal.<ref>[https://www.clinic66.com.au/pregnancy-termination-abortion/abortion-legal-australia/ Is Abortion Legal in Australia?]</ref>
In the state of New South Wales, abortion was decriminalized in September 2019.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2019/09/26/asia/abortion-australia-decriminalized-intl-hnk/ CNN: Abortion decriminalized in Sydney after Australian lawmakers overturn 119-year-old law]</ref> Before that time, it was legally permitted in many scenarios, which were very general and broad, meaning that many people were still able find legal means of obtaining an abortion in New South Wales.<ref>[https://www.clinic66.com.au/pregnancy-termination-abortion/abortion-legal-australia/ Is Abortion Legal in Australia?]</ref> However, the passing of the decriminalization legislation unambiguously enabled people to obtain abortion services, fully and legally.


<!--T:64-->
<!--T:64-->
Regarding Misoprostol availabilty, Women on Waves reports that "Misoprostol is available as cytotec. We do not have any information how easy it is to get in a phamacy.  In 2012, mifepristone and misoprostol were approved for use in termination of pregnancy by our Therapeutic Goods Administration (http://www.tga.gov.au/hp/information-medicines-mifepristone-gymiso.htm). They are only available through medical practitioners, and cannot be purchased over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription. In practice, access will be difficult for women who don’t live geographically near a clinic or practitioner who provides this service (a similar problem for surgical abortion in Australia)."<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4970/australia--organizations-and-clinics Australia: Organizations and clinics, Women on Waves]</ref>
Regarding Misoprostol availabilty, Women on Waves reports that "Misoprostol is available as cytotec. We do not have any information on how easy it is to get in a pharmacy.  In 2012, mifepristone and misoprostol were approved for use in termination of pregnancy by our Therapeutic Goods Administration (http://www.tga.gov.au/hp/information-medicines-mifepristone-gymiso.htm). They are only available through medical practitioners, and cannot be purchased over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription. In practice, access will be difficult for women who don’t live geographically near a clinic or practitioner who provides this service (a similar problem for surgical abortion in Australia)."<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4970/australia--organizations-and-clinics Australia: Organizations and clinics, Women on Waves]</ref>


<!--T:65-->
<!--T:65-->
Line 214: Line 250:


<!--T:69-->
<!--T:69-->
* Misoprostol is available as Cytotec along with Mifepristone. Women can get access to a medical abortion through a phone service telephone number: 1800 180 880.  
Women can access medical abortion through a phone service telephone number: 1300 003 707.  
* Please note that General Practitioners can provide medical terminations in primary care practices and community health centres, however often don't want to advertise this for fear of anti-choice picketers or other activities. Check with the Family Planning organisation in the state or territory you are in to find your closest provider.
* Please note that General Practitioners can provide medical terminations in primary care practices and community health centres, however often don't want to advertise this for fear of anti-choice picketers or other activities. Check with a Family Planning organisation in the state or territory you are in to find your closest provider.


====Clinics & Hospitals Offering General Abortion Services==== <!--T:70-->
====Clinics & Hospitals Offering General Abortion Services==== <!--T:70-->
Line 221: Line 257:
<!--T:71-->
<!--T:71-->
* Tip: Visit the city pages, such as the [[Melbourne]] or [[Sydney]] pages, for recommended clinics at a local level.
* Tip: Visit the city pages, such as the [[Melbourne]] or [[Sydney]] pages, for recommended clinics at a local level.
* [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/ Marie Stopes Australia]: "At Marie Stopes we provide surgical abortion, medical abortion, vasectomy, contraception (and Tubal Ligation in Western Australia only) and counselling. Our prices can be found [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/bookings/prices/ here], but they do vary a little by state. All of our services also come with access to a 24/7 aftercare line in case of complications... We offer both medical and surgical terminations, including medical abortion via telephone (telehealth). We also offer [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/your-choices/decision-based-abortion-counselling/ decision based counselling] for patients who are unsure if an abortion is right for them, as well as post abortion counselling for any patients who request it." "No referral required, except in Western Australia where it is a requirement to access abortion services." Call our national support centre on 1300 207 382 or enquire online. Callers outside Australia: +61 3 9658 7470. If you’ve had a procedure and have any concerns, please call our [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/support-services/24-hour-aftercare/ 24-hour aftercare service].
* [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/ Marie Stopes Australia]: Marie Stopes provides surgical abortion, medical abortion, vasectomy, contraception (and Tubal Ligation in Western Australia only) and counselling. Prices can be found [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/bookings/prices/ here], but they do vary a little by state. All of services come with access to a 24/7 aftercare line in case of complications or concerns. Marie Stopes offer both medical and surgical terminations, including medical abortion via telephone (telehealth). They also offer [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/your-choices/decision-based-abortion-counselling/ decision based counselling] for patients who are unsure if an abortion is right for them, as well as post-abortion counselling for any patients who request it. No referral is required, (except in Western Australia where it is a requirement to access abortion services), patients can call them directly to arrange an appointment or discuss their options on 1300 207 382 or inquire online. Callers outside Australia: +61 3 9658 7470. If you’ve had a procedure and have any concerns, please call [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/support-services/24-hour-aftercare/ 24-hour aftercare service].
* Queensland based organisation, [https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/ Children by Choice], maintains a list of larger providers on their website: Queensland services [https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/forwomen/abortion/clinicsqld here]; Other states and territories [https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/forwomen/abortion/clinicsinterstate here]
* Queensland based organisation, [https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/ Children by Choice], maintains a list of larger providers on their website: Queensland services [https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/forwomen/abortion/clinicsqld here]; Other states and territories [https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/forwomen/abortion/clinicsinterstate here]


Line 254: Line 290:
* [http://familyplanningallianceaustralia.org.au/ Family Planning Alliance Australia]: "Family Planning Alliance Australia is the nation's peak body in reproductive and sexual health. It promotes advances in public health through policy insight and advocacy and represents leading health and education agencies across Australia." Email: secretariat@familyplanningallianceaustralia.org.au
* [http://familyplanningallianceaustralia.org.au/ Family Planning Alliance Australia]: "Family Planning Alliance Australia is the nation's peak body in reproductive and sexual health. It promotes advances in public health through policy insight and advocacy and represents leading health and education agencies across Australia." Email: secretariat@familyplanningallianceaustralia.org.au
* [http://awhn.org.au/ Australian Women's Health Network]: "The Australian Women’s Health Network (AWHN) is a health promotion advocacy organisation that provides a national voice on women’s health."  
* [http://awhn.org.au/ Australian Women's Health Network]: "The Australian Women’s Health Network (AWHN) is a health promotion advocacy organisation that provides a national voice on women’s health."  
* [https://www.waac.org.au/ Women's Abortion Action Campaign (WAAC)]: "Women’s Abortion Action Campaign (WAAC), formed in 1972 by the Women’s Liberation Movement, began as a national campaign in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney... WAAC also works actively with abortion rights groups throughout Australia and internationally." Email: contact_waac@yahoo.com.au
* [https://www.afmw.org.au/ Australian Federation of Medical Women]: "The voice of Australian medical women advocating for, and supporting, the health and welfare of our local, national and international communities."  
* [https://www.afmw.org.au/ Australian Federation of Medical Women]: "The voice of Australian medical women advocating for, and supporting, the health and welfare of our local, national and international communities."  
* [http://www.arha.org.au/ Australian Reproductive Health Assocation]: "ARHA gives precedence to supplying fundamental reproductive health services to pregnant girls, young people, and difficult-to-reach populations, including those. Linking reproductive health services to AIDS and HIV prevention, care and treatment is increasingly being viewed as an essential strategy to enlarging accessibility to both forms of care." Phone: +61 2 9411 1466. Email: stewart@arha.org.au
* [http://www.arha.org.au/ Australian Reproductive Health Assocation]: "ARHA gives precedence to supplying fundamental reproductive health services to pregnant girls, young people, and difficult-to-reach populations, including those. Linking reproductive health services to AIDS and HIV prevention, care and treatment is increasingly being viewed as an essential strategy to enlarging accessibility to both forms of care." Phone: +61 2 9411 1466. Email: stewart@arha.org.au
Line 260: Line 297:
* [https://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/ Equality Rights Alliance]: "Equality Rights Alliance is Australia’s largest network advocating for women’s equality, women’s leadership and recognition of women’s diversity. We bring together 61 organisations with an interest in advancing women’s equality." Phone: 02 6175 9988. Email: era.admin@ywca.org.au
* [https://www.equalityrightsalliance.org.au/ Equality Rights Alliance]: "Equality Rights Alliance is Australia’s largest network advocating for women’s equality, women’s leadership and recognition of women’s diversity. We bring together 61 organisations with an interest in advancing women’s equality." Phone: 02 6175 9988. Email: era.admin@ywca.org.au
* [https://www.ceh.org.au/multicultural-sexual-health-network/ Multicultural Sexual Health Network]: "MSHN brings together people working across sectors to share information, enhance service coordination and explore ways to improve sexual health for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds."
* [https://www.ceh.org.au/multicultural-sexual-health-network/ Multicultural Sexual Health Network]: "MSHN brings together people working across sectors to share information, enhance service coordination and explore ways to improve sexual health for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds."
* [https://iaha.com.au/ Indigenous Allied Health Alliance]: "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals play a vital role in addressing the health and wellbeing of Australia’s First Peoples." Email: admin@iaha.com.au
* [http://sexworker.org.au/ RhED]: "Resourcing health & Education (RhED) is a service for the sex industry in Victoria."  
* [http://sexworker.org.au/ RhED]: "Resourcing health & Education (RhED) is a service for the sex industry in Victoria."  
* [http://www.scarletalliance.org.au/ Scarlet Alliance]: "Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association is the national peak sex worker organisation in Australia."
* [http://www.scarletalliance.org.au/ Scarlet Alliance]: "Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association is the national peak sex worker organisation in Australia."
Retrieved from "https://gynopedia.org/Special:MobileDiff/82087...168990"

Navigation menu