Governments must provide redress for women and girls who were forcibly sterilized

14 Oct, 2021 | Advocacy, Media, Reproductive coercion

IUDs are the most effective contraception in Australia, being 99.8% effective in stopping unwanted pregnancies, yet uptake is low compared to the rest of the world. 

Currently only 6.3% of women are using hormonal IUDs, and the uptake of copper IUDs is even smaller.

MSI Australia’s Director of Clinical Excellence Dr Catriona Melville said “women could now choose a more cost-effective pain relief option, Penthrox, when choosing to have their IUD inserted or removed at MSI clinics.”

“We take women’s pain extremely seriously,” said Dr Melville.

“IUD insertion and removal with MSI Australia is often straightforward and minimally painful, with many reporting positive experiences.

“However, we recognise a considerable number of people feel they are unprepared for the severe pain that can occur when having the procedure, as we have heard through the multiple government inquiries into women’s pain that are occurring throughout Australia.

“We took this on board and are broadening pain management options within our clinics.

“We offer IUDs with or without sedation, but we know that the cost of the procedure with sedation can put women out of pocket and they are just not able to pay the price.

“We’re delighted to announce that from September we are now able to offer Penthrox, also known as the green whistle, to women who choose to have their IUD inserted or removed with us.

“For only $55, women and people can now opt to use Penthrox as their pain relief at our clinics throughout Australia.”

MSI Australia’s Clinical Nurse Educator Kara Manser said there have been numerous accounts of traumatic IUD insertion or removal experiences spread through word of mouth and the media, putting off many from undergoing IUD insertion. 

“Our priority is our patients. We don’t ignore or dismiss women’s pain,” said Ms Manser.

“In fact, over 908% of MSI’s workforce in Australia is women. Women should know they will be safe and informed at our clinics.

“We have been working on the education package for Penthrox within our clinics for XX months.

“This has involved x, y z.”

The ‘Green Whistle,’ is a nickname for the medicine Penthrox, which is, under supervision, a self-administered rapid short term pain relief using a hand-held inhaler device. Commonly used in sports medicine, surf lifesaving and dental surgeries. It is now being used for pain relief in IUD insertion and becoming popular in these cases at MSI Australia. 

If you feel anxious about your pain management at any time in your procedure do not shy away from asking a nurse or doctor about how the medicine can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penthrox (“Green Whistle”)?

Penthrox (methoxyflurane) is a hand-held inhaler device, commonly known as the “Green Whistle,” used for rapid, short-term pain relief. It is typically used in acute trauma situations or for brief, painful procedures like IUD insertion in the MSI clinic setting. It is non-addictive and straightforward to administer, allowing clients to self-administer under supervision. The inhaler has an anti-anxiety effect on patients, not only does it allow you to not feel pain but eases any anxiety in your body, allowing you to fully relax during your procedure.

Read consumer medicine information

How does it work?

Penthrox consists of the medicine Methoxyflurane, which belongs to a group of anaesthetic agents and reduces pain by making the brain and spinal cord less responsive to excitement and pain.

How much does it cost?

At MSI Australia, Penthrox is available for IUD procedures for an additional $55, which is not claimable from Medicare. It is a cost-effective alternative to IV sedation.

Do I have to decide whether to use Penthrox when making a booking?

You don’t need to decide this when making a booking, but if you choose to use Penthrox, you cannot drive yourself home. Please arrange alternative transportation, such as taxi, rideshare or public transport alone.

Make a booking now

This week the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has heard about women and girls with disability being abused and actively denied their sexual and reproductive rights.

Double standards still exist across the healthcare sector which expect women with disability to tolerate a level of violence in their own homes at higher rates than other women in Australia.

Jamal Hakim, Managing Director of MSI Australia said the evidence heard at the Royal Commission was unacceptable and strong action needed to be taken to address the inequities that exist.

“Throughout the hearings and particularly over the last two days we have heard heartbreaking accounts of the violations inflicted on women and girls with disability.

“It is obvious that their sexual and reproductive rights have been ignored across the healthcare sector.

“Historically in Australia, we have heard today that children as young as seven were sterilised because of their disability, such as vision impairments.

“People with disability have the right to choose if and when they experience menstruation, pregnancy, and various healthcare procedures.

“Reproductive coercion, including forced sterilisation and forced contraception causes lifelong psychological harm for people with disability.

“Their sexual and reproductive rights were taken away without their consent.

“Every person, regardless of age, deserves to have full autonomy of their sexual and reproductive health.

“For too long, the rights of people with disability have been ignored.

“The Royal Commission is shining a light on the failures of the current systems in place.

“No one should have contraception or sterilisation forced upon them. The healthcare sector needs to consider if and when their actions could be coercive.

“Clinical settings need sensitive enquiry mechanisms that enable us to prevent and respond to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

“We call for increased investment in clinical education and training to cover disability, bodily autonomy and informed consent.

“Governments have a responsibility to take strong action against this behaviour to ensure it stops happening.

“We support the calls to provide redress for women and girls who were sterilised without their consent.

“Redress for forced sterilisation is an important part of addressing the drivers of inequality that fuel disability discrimination.

Marie Stopes white paper on reproductive coercion in the contexts of family and domestic violence Hidden Forces can be read here.

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For further information contact Anna Jabour, MSI Australia, 0428 396 391.

MSI Australia is a national not for profit provider of sexual and reproductive health services including permanent and long-acting reversible contraception and abortion care. For more information on our clinic network visit mariestopes.org.au.