Publications

Submission to Inquiry into Abortion and Reproductive Choice in the ACT

Published: 2022

HCCA welcomes the Inquiry into Abortion and Reproductive Choice in the ACT. It is timely now to analyse and recommit to the reproductive rights of women and people with uteruses in the ACT.

While the scope of this inquiry is limited by the Terms of Reference, HCCA is keen that this Inquiry also address the principles of reproductive justice that we believe must underpin any holistic review of reproductive choice in the Territory.

HCCA views reproductive justice as including both the right not to have a child, through access to abortion and contraception, and the right to have a child without fear of violence or discrimination.

It is vital that that the principles of reproductive justice are central in any fulsome review of reproductive choice in the ACT. In particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, people living in poverty, and people being subjected to coercion, have not been afforded reproductive justice under current services and systems.

HCCA believes support for reproductive choice must also include action to provide services which meet the needs of the women and people with uteruses exercising their right to choose. Supporting reproductive choice means not only supporting access to stigma free pregnancy termination but also access to appropriate counselling, social supports and high-quality maternity services, as well as ongoing medical, emotional and financial support for people choosing to proceed with a pregnancy.

Use the ‘Download document’ button to read the full submission.