More than 40,000 people have called 1800 My Options to get help finding contraception, abortion and sexual health services.
The major milestone came during the same week the service celebrated its seven year anniversary, demonstrating the ongoing need of the vital service run by Women’s Health Victoria which is funded by the Victorian Government.
Sally Hasler, Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Health Victoria said 1800 My Options is the only free, confidential, non-judgmental, pro-choice information and referral service in Victoria to connect women and gender diverse people with the care they need.
“Abortion is healthcare,” Ms Hasler said.
“Women’s Health Victoria is proud to support access to abortion, contraception and sexual health services, directly challenging the stigma and misinformation that prevent women and gender diverse people from exercising their reproductive rights.
“Around 90 per cent of our callers are seeking information about abortion services. Half of all pregnancies are unplanned, and one in four Australian women will have an abortion, yet a lot of people don’t know how to access abortion services.
“Access to abortion can be difficult because services are often hidden, expensive, or require travel, time off work and several appointments”
“We know that there are parts of Victoria where there are significant gaps for women seeking access to medication or surgical abortion. It’s why 1800 My Options is so crucial in providing people with advice about how to safely access time-critical abortion care.
“We have more than 800 healthcare practitioners on our database that we can connect people with so they can get the professional expertise they need, in a timely manner.”
The 1800 My Options service is funded by the Victorian Government and includes a telephone hotline 1800 696 784 and webchat, and a website www.1800MyOptions.org.au with information about contraception, pregnancy options, abortion, gynaecological health, sexual health and relationships.
