Harassment outside abortion services now banned across Australia with historic passing of safe access zone laws in WA
The safety and privacy of people seeking reproductive healthcare will now be protected in law across Australia after the Western Australian Parliament passed legislation to create safe access zones around abortion services.
Western Australia is the last state or territory in Australia to enact safe access zone laws.
The Public Health Amendment (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2021 will create protective zones around services that provide abortion care. Within these zones intimidating, obstructive and harassing behaviour targeted at patients and staff will be prohibited.
Adrianne Walters, Associate Legal Director with the Human Rights Law Centre said:
“Today is a historic day for reproductive rights across Australia. The intimidation and harassment of people seeking abortion care outside of health clinics is now banned around the nation.
“We commend the McGowan Government for driving this vital reform and the WA Parliament for making it a reality. We have seen in other parts of Australia that safe access zones play a critical role in promoting equality and every person’s right to access healthcare safely.
“No one should have to run a gauntlet of abuse just to see their doctor. These laws will ensure that no one is harassed or filmed by strangers as they walk to their doctor’s door for essential reproductive healthcare.
#BREAKING: Harassment outside abortion services is now banned across Australia with @WALegCouncil passing historic safe access zone laws today!!
WA is the last state or territory in Australia to enact these laws. #WApol #auspol #SafeAccessZones https://t.co/hmW3BT6rA6
— Adrianne Walters (@AdrianneHRLC) August 12, 2021
“This landmark achievement is a testament to the tireless work of community advocates, dedicated healthcare providers and of course, the many women who have shared their stories over many years.
“While we acknowledge and celebrate this important milestone, the next step for the McGowan government is to modernise and decriminalise the state’s abortion laws, which are outdated and causing harm.
“Access to a safe, legal abortion is a healthcare right. The McGowan government must remove all barriers to timely reproductive healthcare in Western Australia.”
Media contact:
Michelle Bennett, Engagement Director, 0419 100 519, michelle.bennett@hrlc.org.au
Media Enquiries
Chandi Bates
Media and Communications Manager

Crisafulli Government’s shameful adult sentencing laws will harm kids, families, and communities
The Human Rights Law Centre and Change the Record have slammed the Crisafulli Government for passing laws that will sentence even more children to adult-length terms of imprisonment. The laws will lock up children for even longer, and harm kids, families, and communities.
Read more
Statement: Australia’s support for Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation and blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza must end
The Australian Government is obligated under international law to do everything in its power to bring an end to Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation and blocking of humanitarian aid.
Read more
Rio Tinto to face scrutiny at AGM for response to Panguna mine disaster
As shareholders meet in Perth today for Rio Tinto’s AGM, communities living with the ongoing devastation from Rio Tinto’s former Panguna mine are calling for the company to urgently commit to funding long-term solutions.
Read more