Five years strong for women’s support service

(Towfiqu Barbhuiya/Unsplash)

The state government has celebrated a milestone in providing a free and confidential statewide service available to all Victorian women, providing information on contraception, pregnancy options including abortion and sexual health, recently marking the fifth anniversary of launching the 1800 My Options service.

Hosted by Women’s Health Victoria, 1800 My Options operates a telephone and online information service which includes a database of more than 600 sexual and reproductive health service providers across the state, including in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay.

More than 200,000 Victorians access their services online and the phone line receives an average of 600 callers per month.

The state government has invested more than $2.7 million to develop, maintain and grow 1800 My Options, with the service expanding its call-taking hours and introducing the ability to scale up and down to meet the increasing demand.

Health Minister Mary Anne Thomas said the service provides state-wide support for women across a range of needs.

“We’re proud to have launched 1800 My Options which for five years has worked to make contraception, abortion and sexual health advice and information more accessible for all Victorian women,” she said.

“No matter where they live, Victorian women have access to free and confidential, evidence-based information about sexual and reproductive health thanks to 1800 My Options.”