Tens of thousands of people have descended on Australia’s major cities to demand access to safe abortions for millions of people in the United States.
The ruling put an end to constitutional protections for safe and legal abortion that had been in place for nearly 50 years.
Tens of thousands of people have descended on major Australian cities to demand access to safe abortions for millions of people in the United States. (Photo by Chris Hopkins) Rallies have been held nationwide in cities such as Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Wollongong. (Photo by Chris Hopkins)
Concentrations have been held across the country in cities such as Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Wollongong.
A group of pro-abortion protesters was present at the Melbourne protest, but police were called in to separate the two causes.
The demonstrations also have a local focus, seeking to expand access to abortion here in Australia. (Photo by Chris Hopkins)
The demonstrations also have a local focus, seeking to expand access to abortion here in Australia.
Geography plays an important role in accessibility for people in other parts of the country.
In states like Western Australia, abortions are allowed on request with a referral from a doctor for up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
This is subject to the advice of a doctor other than the one performing the abortion, or when the woman may suffer serious consequences if the abortion is not performed.
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, abortions are only allowed if the fetus is likely to be born with serious medical problems, and this must be confirmed by two independently appointed doctors.