The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) announced their support for the Crimes (Decriminalisation of Abortion) Bill 2007 currently before the Victorian Parliament.

ACRRM's Victorian Director, Dr Ruth Stewart said the bill, which proposes to take abortion out of the Crimes Act when performed by a doctor, reflects current practice.

"This bill not only updates the law, but also provides legal clarity to doctors. The proposed bill will give women the authority to make decisions, together with their doctor," said Dr Stewart.

"This legislation will remove some of the impediments to the provision of abortion services to women in rural communities.

"There are very few abortion services available in rural Victoria and most women have to travel to Melbourne. This puts added and unnecessary financial and emotional stress on rural women and their families.

"Rural doctors need to know that supporting their patients in this important women's health service is not a crime.

"Abortion is a women's health issue, not a crime, and the bill, introduced by the Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Candy Broad, will clarify this, allowing doctors to care for their female patients with added confidence and security," added Dr Stewart.

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine