Media release – Family Planning Tasmania, 28 September 2023
Family Planning Tasmania marks International Safe Abortion Day
Family Planning Tasmania celebrates Tasmania’s achievements on International Safe Abortion Day, echoing the global theme: Unstoppable Movement: Movement building, solidarity, and justice for the right to safe abortion.
Family Planning Tasmania is a member organisation of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and is adopting a global perspective marking the achievements of our sister organisations internationally and the focus of global reproductive health rights and justice.
As the world marks International Safe Abortion Day under the theme Unstoppable Movement: Movement building, solidarity, and justice for the right to safe abortion, Family Planning Tasmania wishes to shed light on the critical role of safe termination of pregnancy (aka abortion) access in our own community.
At the heart of Family Planning Tasmania’s mission is the understanding that every individual, irrespective of their financial, geographical, or social status, should have the right to quality reproductive healthcare, including safe abortion services.
“We have been the voice for Tasmanians for 50 years, including in 2021 advocating to the then Health Minister, Jeremy Rockliff, to make surgical terminations of pregnancy accessible through the public hospital system. We are deeply thankful to Health Minister Guy Barnett for continuing this work.
“We are proud to be the only clinic in the country that provides bedside ultrasound as part of our termination of pregnancy service, to reduce stress and barriers in an already sensitive time in someone’s life.
“We are proud of the work that has already been done, and we thank the Tasmanian Government and Department of Health for their tireless work in this area.
“At Family Planning Tasmania, we’re proud to offer Medication Termination of Pregnancy (MToP) across all our clinics in Burnie, Glenorchy, and Launceston. Serving over 400 Tasmanians yearly, it’s clear that our services play a crucial role in ensuring accessible reproductive healthcare in our state,” said Lalla Mackenzie.
“Tasmania has shown strong leadership when it comes to reproductive rights, particularly in the last decade. The Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Act of 2013 is a testament to our commitment, not just in legalising certain abortion services but in ensuring the safety and dignity of both patients and providers through safe access zones.”
“Being part of the International Planned Parenthood Federation amplifies our advocacy. It reminds us that our work here in Tasmania is mirrored in efforts across the globe. From Argentina to Ireland, Nepal to the United States, we’ve seen the strides made in recent years. These are victories for bodily autonomy and gender equity.”
“Family Planning Tasmania invites the community to stand with them in recognising this day and advocating for a world where everyone, everywhere, has access to safe abortion. On this International Safe Abortion Day, Family Planning Tasmania stands in solidarity with reproductive health advocates worldwide. We’ll continue to agitate for access, advocate for rights, and ensure that everyone has the support and care they need.”
