Queensland women considered or tried to perform abortions on themselves, data shows

Ben Smee for The Guardian writes:

More than 100 women in Queensland considered or attempted to conduct abortions on themselves in the past five years, according to data from a pro-choice counselling service that will be reviewed by a state parliamentary committee inquiry on Monday.
Queensland has proposed new laws to decriminalise abortion but it remains an offence for both doctors and women, under laws passed in 1899 and largely unchanged since.
Abortion is practised in Queensland but women’s groups say the criminal laws act to restrict access for many women, particularly in regional areas, and increase cost. Guardian Australia reported that in the first half of 2018 more than 60 women from Cairns had flown interstate for procedures that are not performed in Queensland public hospitals.
It is expected that MPs from all parties will be allowed a conscience vote on the legislation, which should be put to the parliament before the end of the year.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/sep/10/queensland-women-considered-or-tried-to-perform-abortions-on-themselves-data-shows