Children by Choice believe that all people have the right to access reproductive health care and abortion care. You may be in contact with the legal system if you are in prison, on probation, or recently released. It’s important to know you still have the same rights to health care as anyone else.
This includes the right to:
You have the right to ask questions and to be part of all decisions about your care.
Access to reproductive and pregnancy care can be harder for people in the legal system.
Common challenges include:
Many women and pregnant people in custody also face stigma and shame when seeking help for pregnancy or reproductive health.
Stigma and shame can make people feel unsafe when asking for care or information. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect no matter their circumstances.
We can help cover the cost for people who need abortion care and can’t afford it. Call us to check your eligibility for financial support.
Sisters Inside has several programs and services for both during and after incarceration that support family reunification post-release – child and parenting education, peer support groups, and play groups.
Women’s Reentry Connect support women re-entering the community after incarceration by connecting them with essential services, resources, and community support.
For Her, With Her Podcast Women’s Legal Service QLD this podcast to inform, support, and empower women navigating domestic and family violence, family law, and complex legal systems.
Podcast
About Time is Australia’s National Prison Newsletter distributed in most state prisons to provide voices to incarcerated people, provide news and education, expression and hope.
Newsletter
Australian Birth Charter for women in prison is a document that sets out recommendation for improving the care for pregnant people and their babies in prison.
Download
Attending catholic school and having the nuns show us films that were abortion propaganda also reinforced the 'anti-abortion' view.
Attending catholic school and having the nuns show us films that were abortion propaganda also reinforced the 'anti-abortion' view.
I had a relatively new relationship I liked and thought a child not wanted by both, would jeopardise a relationship I was happy in, for one as a single parent.
When I spoke to my GP, she was amazing, was completely non-judgemental, and offered a referral and support letter for access to an abortion, if I wanted one.
When I accidentally became pregnant in my mid-20s, I was, in theory, in a much better place both financially and emotionally.
The first thing I felt was shame. Not because I thought it was wrong, but because I was worried about what my family and community would think.
As a teen growing up I even thought how having a baby would be an escape from having to grow up. At 22, I fell pregnant as I wasn't being consistent with my birth control pills. I knew immediately that I was getting an abortion.
I wish there wasn't such difference between health practitioners and I wish there was more we could do about those who make us feel lesser for choosing abortion.
Queensland Wide Pregnancy Support Services
Free & Confidential
