Women's Health

A whistleblower midwife who alleged dozens of patients had received unsafe maternity care at a Queensland hospital says she has been vindicated by a health watchdog's critical report into the state-run facility. 

Bridie has premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) — a condition that causes severe emotional and psychological distress in the lead-up to menstruation. She says it's been behind many relationship breakdowns.

In a taped-off car park in suburban Perth, a group of women are learning to ride a bicycle for the first time.

Lauren Ash had been considering weight loss surgery when she heard about a friend taking Ozempic. She says the weight loss has improved her life, but there have been some challenges. 

They check the baby's position and listen to the heartbeat, but they aren't qualified midwives. Parents say a "dangerous" new breed of birth worker has emerged to fill the gap for women wanting to birth outside hospital.

She's one of many Canberra endometriosis patients who have been forced to go private for surgery, costing them thousands of dollars in the process.

About one in three women across all sports experience symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, and it can lead to high drop-out rates. But treatment is available — if people are willing to talk about it.

Thousands of Australian women deal with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, and symptoms can include extreme mood changes, depression and anxiety. 

Caitlin Cranitch says she was relieved about the trial, but has struggled to access the service.

Amanda Seeto believes the service should be financially accessible.

Dr Yim says convenience should not be the overriding measure for health care.

Pharmacist Stacie Hwang has prescribed the pill to about 15 patients in the trial so far.

A pilot program allowing women to get the contraceptive pill directly from a pharmacist is supposed to improve accessibility, but some Queensland women believe it's not as easy or cheap as originally announced.

The leader of the free world could make abortion access less free far away from home.

You don’t have to scroll too far online to come across videos recommending deferring dates until the follicular phase, or someone explaining the distinct characteristics of each phase of the menstrual cycles. 

But, is all this commentary around our hormones based in fact?

The ABC has uncovered evidence another regional New South Wales public hospital has formally stopped providing surgical abortions.

An email obtained by the ABC confirms Queanbeyan Hospital has stopped providing surgical terminations for fetal anomalies and medical reasons, restricting access to a legal and time-critical form of reproductive health care.

A large number of women who exercise experience pelvic floor symptoms, and experts want more people to talk about what can be a stigmatised issue.

Abortion and reproductive rights have been a divisive issue in the United States since Roe v Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022 and figured heavily in the election campaign.

A public hospital in regional New South Wales is restoring abortion services after an ABC investigation revealed the executive had banned staff from providing terminations to patients for non-medical reasons.