Nationally accredited contraception and safe abortion provider, Marie Stopes Australia, has welcomed the implementation of the new termination of pregnancy laws in the Northern Territory that came into effect on 1 July. Marie Stopes Australia CEO said the new laws provide women in the Northern Territory with greater choice and control over their sexual and reproductive health. “For too long …
Emergency contraception awareness high but access is low
Awareness of emergency contraception is high but only one in four women are accessing it when they need it, a recent study of Australian women shows. Ms Thompson said the majority of women who seek an abortion in Australia are using some form of contraception. “No contraception is 100% effective, which is why it is important for women to know …
Women in NSW deserve better
Marie Stopes Australia is disappointed that the women of NSW will not be provided the same access to care for their sexual and reproductive health than other Australians, following the defeat of the Abortion Law Reform Bill 2016 in Parliament today. Marie Stopes Australia CEO Michelle Thompson applauded members of the NSW Legislative Council who supported the Bill and a …
Abortion – you’re not alone
Two years ago, I went through the difficult journey of an unplanned pregnancy and abortion. While I gained positive things from the experience, including a renewed focus about what I want to do with my career and life, it was both the most difficult and most empowering decision I have ever made. For over five weeks I didn’t know what …
It’s beginning to look a lot like herpes season
As the days get darker, the weather turns and our bodies get ready for the winter months ahead; it’s also the season where cold sores and herpes can be more prevalent. Marie Stopes Australia head of telehealth, and nurse at Marie Stopes Australia, Jane Hooker says that the herpes virus, the cause of the common cold sore, is present in …
Rural women deserve better access to abortion
Fear, anguish, guilt. It’s only a phone call but you can hear all of these emotions in Sarah’s* voice. Sarah has two young children. Her husband is a fly in, fly out worker on a remote mine site and they have just found out Sarah is pregnant. Sarah is raising two children under four. She has no family around her …
Dispelling depression and abortion myths
The focus of today’s World Health Day is depression; a major health issue across the globe and one that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. While it is widely accepted that there is a strong link between reproductive health and women’s mental health, the nature of this link is something that is often masked or distorted, particularly when it …
‘The morning after pill’: four common myths debunked
A number of misconceptions surround the topic of emergency contraception or ‘the morning after pill’, which not only leads to confusion but could result in an unplanned pregnancy. Here we debunk four of the common myths about emergency contraception and provide you with information about accessing the method that is right for you, when you need it. 1. A 1.5mg …
IWD2017: be bold to tackle the stigma of abortion
More than a century ago, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding better pay, working conditions and equality. Fast forward to 2017, and the roots of disruption that started the International Women’s Day movement are very much alive and kicking. Not just in New York, but right across the globe. Donald Trump’s presidency has been a lightning rod for …
Decision-based abortion counselling and you
Decision-based counselling is a model of non-directive, women-centred counselling that assists women through the process of making a decision about their pregnancy. Non-directive counselling allows a counsellor to support and listen to a woman’s concerns without pushing her one way or another. In pregnancy counselling, it’s a conversation where the options of continuing or terminating a pregnancy (also known as …
Find the best contraception method with My Best Fit
While most people are aware of common forms of contraception, such as the Pill and condoms, there are many more options available, a number of which provide enhanced protection against pregnancy than their better-known counterparts. So what is the best contraception method? Finding out about these other options can be difficult, particularly if you don’t have a regular GP you …
Permanent contraception for men
In Australia, over 25,000 men undergo a vasectomy every year, making it one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. It offers men who have already had children or decided not to have children a highly effective and safe method of permanent contraception. In the following, we explain what happens during and after a vasectomy and address some of the …
Medical abortion: what to expect
If you are up to 9 weeks pregnant, medical abortion is a safe, non-invasive method of terminating your pregnancy. Overall, this method is a low risk option, with up to 98% of medical abortions ending in a successful termination. Medical abortion is available at Marie Stopes clinics following a face-to-face consultation or, if you cannot access a clinic, you may …
Vasectomy what to expect
Vasectomy is a safe, permanent method of contraception for men who have completed their family or who have decided not to have children. Marie Stopes Australia provides expert vasectomy services across our network of clinics nationally. The following is a useful resource for men and couple thinking about vasectomy but who aren’t sure what to expect. How does vasectomy work? …
Surgical abortion: what to expect
Surgical abortion is a safe and straightforward day-surgery procedure performed by a fully trained doctor, who is an expert in termination of pregnancy and family planning. How long will I have to stay at the clinic? A few factors influence how long you will have to stay at the clinic. What type of anaesthetic will I have? How should I …