Pregnancy Counselling Finds Its Place In The Community

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, said today that pregnancy counselling finds its place in the community, not just in the medical centre.

Mr Quinlan made the comments today in response to the Government's announcement that new pregnancy support counselling MBS items will be available from 1 November 2006 to help women who are concerned about a pregnancy.

"While pregnant women deserve the very best of medical care, they also deserve the very best support the community has to offer," Mr Quinlan said.

"Agencies which provide high standard, non judgemental counselling deserve to be supported in their work.

"These initiatives acknowledge that pregnancy is an issue for the community, not just for the doctors' clinic.

"This welcome announcement provides financial support to a role that community based agencies have played for decades.

"Community based agencies are able to link pregnant women and their families to support they may need during early pregnancy.

Catholic Social Services Australia provides social services to over a million Australians each year in rural, regional and metropolitan Australia.

27 October 2006                                                                                

CONTACT     Judith Tokley  02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306