The Australian Women's Health Network (AWHN) is a community based, non-profit, consultative organisation that provides a national voice on women's health issues. AWHN was established in 1986 and operates as a women's health advocacy, information and lobbying organisation, working with Government policy makers and other agencies to improve the health and well-being of Australian women.

AWHN has affiliated Networks in all States and Territories of Australia. The State and Territory Women's Health Networks are the member organisations of AWHN. Both the State/Territory groups and the umbrella national organisation represent a wide cross section of women, and organisations representing specific groups of women. As health is interpreted in a broad social context, women from a range of interest groups take up AWHN membership. The organisation cuts across political, economic, social and ethnic barriers. Women's Health Networks frequently consult with other organisations representing women and work together to address major issues facing women.

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Protecting Women’s Health Care

Take urgent action against the proposal to remove Medicare funding for abortion.

On September 17, 2008 the Senate will vote on a motion to remove Medicare funding for second trimester medical termination of pregnancy in cases where:

a)      the fetus has died and/or

b)      there has been a diagnosis of gross fetal abnormality and/or

c)      the pregnant woman has a life threatening illness.

This motion has been proposed by anti-choice Tasmanian Senator Guy Barnett. His aim is to remove Medicare item number 16525 that is specifically there to assist the small number of women who have a very much-wanted pregnancy, but tragically, a non-viable one. This is a cruel move against women with a wanted pregnancy, coping with the shock of being told that either their pregnancy is very unlikely to proceed or, if it does, their baby is unlikely to survive. Women with a life threatening illness may be forced to continue the pregnancy even if it places their lives in further danger or treatment will cause damage to the fetus.

It is not up to politicians to determine what they think is the best medical treatment for women. That is the role of doctors in consultation with the patients. This Medicare item number exists to enable doctors to provide the specialist care that pregnant women in this situation may need.

TAKE ACTION NOW to stop this motion and protect pregnant women’s healthcare!  Contact your State/Territory Senators TODAY and ask them to REJECT this motion.

For the full list of Senators contacts go to http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/senators/index.htm

Protecting the health care of pregnant women in the secondtrimester.pdf (46.29 KB)

The Australian Women's Health Network is pleased to present this position paper: 'Women's Health - The New National Agenda' as a vital contribution to the development of a new national women's policy. Click here to download a copy of the AWHN_Position_Paper.pdf (837.15 KB)

Aboriginal Womens Talking circle meeting 19 September 2007.pdf (21.93 KB 14.08.2008 12:47)