Our Bodies, Our Decision
Marie Claire Australia|February 2019

With Queensland decriminalising abortion, does this mean Australian women finally have complete control over their bodies? Not yet, writes Alexandra Carlton.

Alexandra Carlton
Our Bodies, Our Decision
When Queensland passed its historic abortion laws in October, the state erupted in celebration. Crowds cheered outside parliament. Brisbane’s Kurilpa Bridge was illuminated with purple lights to commemorate the moment when women could finally take control of their own bodies and lawfully seek a pregnancy termination without fear of criminal reprisal. And female MPs hugged each other as the bill, which allows women to end their pregnancies up to 22 weeks on request and established safe zones around abortion clinics, passed into law. Witnessing the euphoria, you could be forgiven for thinking Queensland was Australia’s final hold-out state on women’s reproductive rights. Abortion laws nationally, you might assume, have finally limped into the 21st century with equality and safety for all. Except they haven’t.

In fact, there are still outdated and sexist laws and practices that inhibit women’s reproductive rights all over Australia, not just on abortion but contraception as well. A recent survey published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health revealed three-quarters of respondents did not know that abortion is still a criminal offence in NSW, punishable by up to 10 years in jail. In South Australia, two doctors must agree that a woman’s mental or physical health is endangered by a pregnancy before they allow a termination, and then it must be performed in an “approved hospital”, limiting access for many. The maximum punishment for an unlawful abortion in SA? Life imprisonment.

Bu hikaye Marie Claire Australia dergisinin February 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Marie Claire Australia dergisinin February 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MARIE CLAIRE AUSTRALIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
SHANNEN DOHERTY
Marie Claire Australia

SHANNEN DOHERTY

The rebellious actor died in July after a nine-year battle with cancer. Zara Wong looks back at the legacy of a woman who always lived on her own terms

time-read
8 dak  |
September 2024
IN THE WILDS OF ALASKA
Marie Claire Australia

IN THE WILDS OF ALASKA

Nature served up a spectacular array of delights, while cruising the majestic waters of the far north.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024
Back to EARTH
Marie Claire Australia

Back to EARTH

In its earliest days, the farm bred draught horses for export. Now Tasmania's 1840 cottage Leighton House has been restored as a glorious getaway

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024
ODE to LIGHT
Marie Claire Australia

ODE to LIGHT

Created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian in 2011, Elie Saab's Le Parfum has since gained a cult following and become an industry icon. Here, Sally Hunwick uncovers the origins of the stunning chypre floral scent

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024
JEN ATKIN
Marie Claire Australia

JEN ATKIN

The Ouai beauty guru is regularly called on by the Kardashians and a host of other A-listers. Here, she talks about hair, her beauty cupboard and how she keeps up her energy levels

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024
A NEW DIRECTION
Marie Claire Australia

A NEW DIRECTION

When she was 16, Jordan Lambropoulos told her surgeon she'd rather die than wake up with a colostomy bag. Today - 10 years, countless operations and 14,000 Instagram followers later - she's proof that a colostomy bag is not the end. In fact, it can be the beginning of a whole new life

time-read
4 dak  |
September 2024
LADY LUCK
Marie Claire Australia

LADY LUCK

Rosalía takes her accessories as seriously as she takes her art. The Spanish musician spent three years working on her much-lauded album Motomami, finessing the details and perfecting the finishing touches. And when it comes to her outfits, she's no less specific

time-read
3 dak  |
September 2024
Wait... superhero movies are cool now?
Marie Claire Australia

Wait... superhero movies are cool now?

Who had Emma Corrin and Juno Temple as supervillians on their 2024 bingo card?

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024
CURTAIN CALLING
Marie Claire Australia

CURTAIN CALLING

Brisbane-born star Vidya Makan steps into the shoes of America's founding mother in the long-awaited return of Hamilton

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024
LEIGH-ANNE
Marie Claire Australia

LEIGH-ANNE

The English singer on colourism, freedom and reuniting Little Mix

time-read
2 dak  |
September 2024