1800 My Options was launched in March 2018, as part of a Victorian government strategy to reduce the barriers affecting women's access to sexual and reproductive health services, including knowledge, cost, and travel.
The free, confidential, pro-choice phoneline is delivered by Women’s Health Victoria with highly trained workers linking callers to the sexual and reproductive information and services they need. Common questions include, “What are my contraception options?” and “Where can I get an abortion?”
Consider these Australian statistics:
- 1 in 2 pregnancies are unplanned
- 1 in 4 women will have an abortion in their lifetime
- 70% of (reproductive age) women use some form of contraception, however, less than 10% use Long Acting Reversible Contraception, which is the most effective.
Since 2018, the phoneline service has spoken to over 13,000 Victorians and created a referral database of almost 400 healthcare providers. 1800 My Options social media channels also promote key health messages addressing some of women’s most common sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns.
An independent evaluation by the Nossal Institute for Global Health (2020) has found that 1800 My Options is an integral part of the SRH system in Victoria and increases access to SRH services. It also found that the phoneline, website and Instagram support disadvantaged communities and help reduce stigma around abortion and contraception.
A range of resources are available for Health Professionals. Health workers providing sexual and reproductive health services can register on the 1800 My Options database here. Other health workers and support workers can link patients and clients to the contraception, pregnancy options, abortion or other sexual and reproductive health services they need, via the phone line or online geomapping. The 1800 My Options website has more information on referring patients and clients.
The 1800 My Options phoneline can be accessed on 1800 696 784 on weekdays between 9am-5pm or via the website Or email.