Protests Outside Abortion Clinics Are Now Banned Across Australia

Trigger warning: this article discusses abortion.

As of Thursday, protesting outside abortion clinics will no longer be permitted in any state around the country after Western Australia introduced a bill to introduce safe access zones in the Labor-dominated state parliament.

Western Australia is the last state in the country to introduce laws that protect people from harassment and intimidation while accessing abortion clinics, making it illegal Australia-wide.

The new legislation means that zones will be created around clinics that prevent picketing within 150 meters of that location. The rules also apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Everyone deserves a safe commute to work and safety at work. At times of peak anti-choice picketing behaviours, my colleagues at abortion care clinics in WA have had to wear GoPros to and from their cars before and after shifts in response to harassment by anti-choice picketers.

— Bonney Corbin (@BonneyCorbin) August 10, 2021

The motion was passed in the state parliament due to the heavy portion of Labor seats, with only three Upper House MPs opposing the bill: Liberal members Nick Goiran, Neil Thomson and National Party MLC James Hayward.

WA Health Minister Roger Cook encouraged the change in legislation, reinforcing its importance.

"This is about people accessing legal medical services without being intimidated, disturbed, harassed as they access those services," he said.

While the change is a huge step in the right direction for WA, the Human Rights Law Centre’s Associate Legal Director Adrianna Waters said that the laws are long overdue.

"For far too long, women in WA have been targeted by anti-abortion activists and had to run a gauntlet of abuse to see their doctor," she said.

"Safe access zone laws have a critical role to play in making sure that no person is harassed or filmed by strangers as they walk to their doctor's front door."

Media release: WA Parliament must vote for safe access to abortion care

“Western Australia is the only state in Australia without safe access zones around abortion clinics. Access to a safe, legal abortion is a critical healthcare right," @AdrianneHRLC https://t.co/04L8gdyW7G

— Human Rights Law Centre (@rightsagenda) August 10, 2021

Managing Director of Marie Stopes Australia Jamal Hakim mirrored Ms Waters thoughts, explaining that while it’s a great change, much more still needs to be done.

“We're grateful the WA government has kept its commitment to legislate safe access zones and that it will be illegal for picketers to harass staff," he said.

"Next, we want to work with the government to increase access to abortion care in Western Australia.

"Currently, the criminal code still regulates abortion and there are significant outdated hurdles in accessing abortion care which still need to be addressed."

If you or someone you know needs advice on pregnancy or termination, get in contact with your local GP for help.

83% of abortions in WA are performed in 2 private metropolitan clinics. Aldridge confused as to why 45 premises in WA will be protected by the Safe Access Zones legislation.

Hospitals, smaller clinics and medical abortion providers & their patients need to be protectected.

— Our Choice WA (@OurChoiceWA) August 10, 2021

Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts, sexual assault or domestic and family violence? Seeking to support someone who is? Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.

Header Image: R O via Unsplash