“WEL welcomes federal Labor’s reproductive rights policy announcement. Their commitment to create the first National Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy is an historic step,” said Sinead Canning, WEL Reproductive Rights Campaign Manager.

“Women in Australia experience access to reproductive healthcare very differently, based on their location, cultural background, and understanding of their rights.”

“Access to reproductive healthcare must be significantly enhanced across Australia. The detail and research underpinning Labor’s new policy show they understand the extent of this challenge,” Ms Canning said.

“Implementation of their initiatives - improving access to contraceptives, funding a national telephone referral service and supporting doctors to provide medical termination - will help many more women have access to good reproductive health care when and where they need it most.”

“WEL looks forward to seeing reproductive health policies from all political parties contesting the
2019 federal election. These should be based on expert consultation and women’s desire and need to access basic health care,” said Ms Canning.

“In addition, WEL recognises federal Labor’s policy commitment to ‘work with all states to progress decriminalisation of abortion across Australia’. This is especially urgent in NSW - the only state not to have modernised its legislation regarding termination of pregnancy in any capacity.”

“We urge the NSW Labor party to commit to the same principles as their federal counterparts and decriminalise abortion should they form government after the March 23 state election. We look forward to the NSW Liberal and National parties doing the same,” Ms Canning said.