MSI Australia welcomes the passing of legislation by the NSW Parliament that will at last provide NSW women with safe access to clinics that perform abortions.
MSI Australia CEO, Michelle Thompson, said that each day women accessing abortions in NSW run the risk of being photographed, filmed, harassed and intimidated when accessing the common medical procedure.
“There is no other health service that I am aware of that allows the type of harassment and intimidation that takes place outside clinics such as ours,” Ms Thompson said
“We are grateful and relieved that both houses of the NSW Parliament have passed this legislation. It is sad that we need it, but these zones are needed for patient safety, privacy and dignity.”
“These zones are first and foremost about safety of patients. They are nothing to do with free speech or religious freedom. We are delighted that the NSW Parliament agrees.”
Ms Thompson acknowledged the important work of a number of people and organisations in bringing this legislation to fruition.
“On behalf of all of the staff and patients at MSI Australia, we say thank you to Penny Sharpe, Trevor Kahn and all those Members of Parliament who supported the Bill. We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of Fair Agenda, Women’s Electoral Lobby and the Human Rights Law Centre.”
“The passing of this legislation is good for patient safety and privacy and good for the safety and privacy of all staff who work in abortion care across NSW”.