Harassment outside abortion services now banned across Australia with historic passing of safe access zone laws in WA

The safety and privacy of people seeking reproductive healthcare will now be protected in law across Australia after the Western Australian Parliament passed legislation to create safe access zones around abortion services.

Western Australia is the last state or territory in Australia to enact safe access zone laws.

The Public Health Amendment (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2021 will create protective zones around services that provide abortion care. Within these zones intimidating, obstructive and harassing behaviour targeted at patients and staff will be prohibited.

Adrianne Walters, Associate Legal Director with the Human Rights Law Centre said:

“Today is a historic day for reproductive rights across Australia. The intimidation and harassment of people seeking abortion care outside of health clinics is now banned around the nation.

“We commend the McGowan Government for driving this vital reform and the WA Parliament for making it a reality. We have seen in other parts of Australia that safe access zones play a critical role in promoting equality and every person’s right to access healthcare safely.

“No one should have to run a gauntlet of abuse just to see their doctor. These laws will ensure that no one is harassed or filmed by strangers as they walk to their doctor’s door for essential reproductive healthcare.

“This landmark achievement is a testament to the tireless work of community advocates, dedicated healthcare providers and of course, the many women who have shared their stories over many years.

“While we acknowledge and celebrate this important milestone, the next step for the McGowan government is to modernise and decriminalise the state’s abortion laws, which are outdated and causing harm.

“Access to a safe, legal abortion is a healthcare right. The McGowan government must remove all barriers to timely reproductive healthcare in Western Australia.”

Media contact:
Michelle Bennett, Engagement Director, 0419 100 519, michelle.bennett@hrlc.org.au

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