March 5, 2025Last week, 26 February, the Northern Health Abortion Service hosted its first-ever Abortion Care Study Day at the Northern Centre for Health Education and Research (NCHER).
This milestone event was attended by over 100 delegates, and was led by Kate Chaouki, Abortion Clinic Lead from the Northern Health Abortion Services team.
The day brought together healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines including midwifery, nursing, medical, social work, radiology and genetic counselling. The study day aimed to enhance knowledge and understanding of abortion care, and strengthen the support and referral network by connecting care providers from across Melbourne and surrounds. Amongst the attendees were staff from Northern Health, as well as Mercy Health, Western Health, DPV, Sexual Health Victoria, The Women’s, the Sexual & Reproductive Health Hubs, and MSI.
The study day was made possible with funding from the University of Melbourne Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Reproductive Justice Hallmark Research Initiative, and focused on the abortion landscape in Victoria, understanding the needs of abortion seekers, conscientious objection/obstruction, values clarification, and how to prevent burnout amongst care providers. Speakers from Western Health, 1800 My Options, University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, The Women’s, Austin Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women contributed their time and expertise to deliver an engaging and thought-provoking day.
Team members from the Abortion Service at Northern Health also contributed to the event, with Ms Chaouki leading a session on debunking myths and barriers, Eleanor Johnson, Registered Nurse, sharing insights from her recent Co-design workshops, and Dr Kate Shearer providing an overview of the Northern Health Abortion Service. Dr Debra Penney-Walsh joined an expert panel to discuss second trimester abortion care, while Sarah Wotherspoon, Counsellor/Social Worker, led a fantastic interactive session on reproductive coercion.
“The study day stimulated insightful discussions and offered practical strategies to support best practices for this important area of health care. The Northern Health Abortion Service team would like to thank Melanie Riseley, Clinical Midwifery Educator, and the midwifery education team for their support in the organisation and smooth running of the day,” said Ms Chaouki.
Nicole Carlon, Divisional Director Operations – Nursing, Women’s & Children’s, praised the event, “The abortion care study day saw a fabulous turnout of passionate staff from both within and outside Northern Health. The high-quality presentations and excellent audience engagement sparked important conversations, challenging us to reflect on our biases and explore how we can strive to deliver best practice, person-centred abortion care.”
Pictured in the featured image: The Abortion Care Study Day speakers, (back row L-R) – Dr Paddy Moore, Melanie Riseley, Carolyn Mogharbel, Eleanor Johnson, Dr Lisa Hui, Dr Shelly Makleff, Dr Kate Shearer, Dr Erica Millar, Melissa Graetz, Dr Stefan Kane, Sarah Wotherspoon.
Front row (L-R): Dr Debra Penney-Walsh, Kate Chaouki, Dr Aekta Neel, Dr Carol Vance, and Clare McDonald.
