“This is a great day for the women that we help in our country programs,” said Ary Laufer, Executive Officer for Marie Stopes International Australia. In countries such as Viet Nam, we will now be able to provide women with the best care and choices in programs funded by AusAID.”
The amendment of these guidelines will have a significant impact in countries where abortion is lawful. With the help of AusAID funding, women will now be able to access properly trained medical staff and facilities, helping reduce the high rates of unsafe abortion in these countries.
Every year 67,000 women die from unsafe abortions, not forgetting the millions of women that require hospital treatment or are left with permanent disabilities. These women are mothers and daughters, sisters and aunties, wives and friends within their communities.
The horrific consequences of unsafe abortion leave families and communities with emotional and economic hardship and local health systems under pressure.
The Australian Government and development organisations will now be able to work together to help these women and begin to reverse the rising rates of maternal deaths in some of Australia’s closest neighbouring countries.
“Minister Stephen Smith and Parliamentary Secretary Bob McMullan should be applauded for the bravery they have shown in amending the Family Planning Guidelines and the hope they have given women around the world,” said Mr Laufer.
For the past 13 years Australian aid funding has been restricted in relation to abortion services under a deal made between the Liberal Howard government and conservative Senator, Brian Harradine.
These restrictions have been preventing development organisations from providing women in developing countries with the same choices and options that women here in Australia benefit from.
“We are looking forward to a new era of family planning choices and programs for some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities and to working hand-in-hand with AusAID in this groundbreaking decision,” said Mr Laufer.
About Marie Stopes International Australia: Marie Stopes International Australia is an Australian not-for-profit, non-government, tax-deductible organisation (NGO) that provides vital reproductive health services in low-income communities in Asia Pacific region and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
For media enquiries contact Claire Maloney - Marie Stopes International Australia on 0431 279 785.
