Last week, 55 health professionals participated in an education event in Dubbo that aimed to strengthen how people with an unintended pregnancy can find care and pregnancy choices close to home.
Family Planning Australia delivered the ‘Unintended Pregnancy: Pathways in Primary Care’ event in partnership with the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) and the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSW LHD).
GPs, registrars, nurses, pharmacists and local medical students attended the session, which offered practical education on managing unintended pregnancies in a community setting. The session provided clinical guidance on MS‑2Step™ prescribing, follow‑up care, and navigating local referral pathways.
The training also gave local primary health care professionals the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in managing unintended pregnancy.
Delivered by leading clinicians from Family Planning Australia and WNSW LHD Pregnancy Options Care and Support Team, the event supported stronger connections between primary care providers and local services involved in unintended pregnancy options and associated care.
Family Planning Australia Medical Lead, Dr Lucy Cho said it was wonderful to see the interest and commitment of the Dubbo health workers to learning more about pregnancy options and how they can provide care for their patients.
“As well as building confidence in managing abortion-related consultations, health professionals gained a stronger understanding of local referral options as well as the individual and institutional barriers that someone seeking assistance can encounter,” Dr Cho said.
Brad Porter, CEO WNSW PHN, said the sector collaboration between all partners supports local health professionals to deliver safe, patient-centered care across the Western and Far West NSW region.
“Events like these build our sector capacity, provide a positive networking experience, and enhance legal knowledge of health practitioners involved in abortion care in NSW.
“Equity of access to sexual and reproductive health in regional towns is an ongoing concern.
“Girls, women and gender diverse communities have the right to information to make informed decisions, and access to safe, effective and affordable abortion and reproductive care,” Mr Porter said.
Participants reflected on how important it is to have services and clear pathways for health professionals available, especially in regional towns.
“Thank you for your presentations and the work you do, which is so important, especially for vulnerable women in our communities,” one participant said.
For advice on referral pathways, clinicians and health professionals can call the confidential Pregnancy Options Care and Support line on 1800 601 324.
People looking for sexual and reproductive healthcare, including abortions, can use SEARCH+. This online tool helps patients find health providers near where they live.
