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Realising access: Abortion and contraception inequities and enablers in Victoria

Published 21 October 2024

This report analyses trends in sexual and reproductive health service seeking across Victoria with a focus on abortion and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). It draws on previously unpublished data from 1800 My Options, a service of Women’s Health Victoria.

Analysis of over 30,000 calls received by the service from 2018 to 2023 highlights differences in service seeking according to geographic location, population characteristics, and measures of socioeconomic disadvantage. Further insights are drawn from Victorian Women’s Health Atlas mapping of medication abortion and LARC access by local government area, and from a qualitative survey of nine Victorian women’s health services.

The report discusses barriers and enablers to accessing abortion and contraception services throughout Victoria. Challenges facing service seekers, particularly those seeking abortions, are often complex and reflect deeper social, safety, economic and health challenges in the community.

Detailed recommendations are provided to inform Victorian and Australian needs-based health policy and service provision, and 1800 My Options service planning.

Citation:

Sarder M, Mogharbel C, Kalman T (2024) Realising access: abortion and contraception inequities and enablers in Victoria. Women’s Health Victoria. Melbourne. (Women’s Health Victoria Knowledge Paper; 6).

1800 My Options Abortion Contraception Victorian Women's Health Atlas
Realising access: Abortion and contraception inequities and enablers in Victoria

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Acknowledgement of Country

Women’s Health Victoria acknowledges and pays our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land that our offices are situated on, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

As a statewide organisation, we also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and water across Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and their Elders past and present.

Read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan

Our Commitment to Gender Diversity and Inclusion

Women’s Health Victoria’s focus is women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender-diverse people. We address feminist health issues and are committed to supporting all people impacted by gender inequity who can benefit from our work. As a proud intersectional feminist organisation, Women’s Health Victoria is working towards meaningful inclusivity, guided by and supporting people who identify as women, trans, intersex and gender diverse.

Read about our commitment