John Barron explores the history of the decriminalisation of abortion in Australia
The context. ABC Australia (January 1, 2023)
A look at the milestones that have bought about accessible and safe abortions for Victorians.
Womens rights movements in Victoria.
State Library of Victoria
At the Melbourne Morgue, On the 13th of March 1936, the State Coroner Arthur Tingate wrote his inquest findings on the cause of death for Doris, a 31 year old woman from regional Victoria who died at Warburton Hydro and Hospital in February. She had been rushed to the hospital from a nearby chalet showing symptoms of cold shivers and bleeding heavily. He reviewed the 15 pages of detailed witness statements and doctors’ notes and tried to piece together his conclusion on what happened to Doris in the final two weeks of her life.
Doris' 1936 inquest typical of many The grim history of illegal abortion in Victoria