Birth Control In Australia Essay

Today, contraception plays a fundamental role in many aspects of human life and it is often taken for granted by many Australians. It is important to remember that sexual and reproductive health services such as Family Planning Clinics were not always freely accessible. The introduction of oral contraceptive pills in Australia in 1961 came after social and political change and national struggle for the rights to make decisions in regards to one’s own fertility. Despite this, Australia remained relatively conservative until the Family Planning Associations were first introduced in 1969 in New South Wales and in the following years clinics were established across all states. The first Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) Clinic opened in 1972 in Fortitude Valley, quickly becoming a key provider of

The services are all strictly confidential except in the case of an emergency setting or when the health care professional feels the patient’s safety is at risk. The FPQ have a strong family focus, having created specialty programs to encourage and build communication within the family unit. Queensland Family Planning also provides educators who offer services within the community such as sexual information sessions in primary and high school and offer professional training to people in the workforce such as teachers, disability and welfare workers and nurses. In the most recent annual report, clients reported that the felt at ease in the presence of staff from the clinics. Despite the improved education and effectiveness of the clinics, it is clear from Ong et al 2012 that there is a need for education regarding the use of contraceptives. Whilst 95% of women in the study reported use of contraceptives, 37% still remained at risk for unintended pregnancy due to imperfect use and lack of knowledge of the