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UNPLANNED PREGNANCY RESOURCES - last update 15-Jun-2011 - Links from RACGP

KEEPING THE BABY

Many supports are available to women who decide to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy and keep the baby. It is important for GPs to inform women of the services available to them including financial support, support with accommodation and/or parenting issues. While in the public hospital setting women can be referred to social workers, in the private sector these services may be more difficult to access.

The links below provide information on support available through:

• Centrelink and the Family Assistance Office
• National & state based organisations

TEENAGE PREGNANCY

When counselling pregnant teenagers GPs need to be aware of many issues that will impact on both the young woman’s wellbeing and that of her baby.

For a personal insight into teenage pregnancy, watch the four films created by young mothers in South Australia at www.youngmums.com.au.

The following resources provide GPs with more information on teenage pregnancy:

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Facts for Families, When children have children.
• Australian Clearinghouse for Youth Studies, Australian Youth Facts and Stats, Pregnancy and Parenthood.
• Family Planning Australia Pamphlet.
• rinatal Institute, May 2002, Perinatal Reviews and Recommendations for Best Practice: Teenage Pregnancy.
• see also Underage consent (Medical Board of Victoria)

ABORTION

Numerous patient education handouts are available online for GPs to use when counselling women regarding abortion. Have a look at these below to bookmark your preferred one

Better Health Channel (Victorian Government Website) Abortion - counselling options Abortion - emotional issues Abortion in Australia Abortion pill - RU486 (mifepristone) Abortion procedures Abortion services in Victoria

Reachout.com About abortion - termination of pregnancy

Children by choice A variety of fact sheets on pregnancy options

Marie Stopes International Abortion your questions answered (PDF) Abortion your questions answered - Chinese (PDF) Abortion your questions answered - Vietnamese (PDF)

NSW Health Questions women ask about abortion (PDF) - also available in many languages.

Abortion Law in Australian states - Overview (2 page summary)

Abortion in Australia 2005 ( 20 pages)

ADOPTION

• Adoption procedures differ by state. For information on the state where you practice go to the following links:
  • Western Australia
  • Northern Territory
  • South Australia
  • ACT
  • Victoria
  • New South Wales
  • Queensland
  • Tasmania