Legislative changes created urgent need for abortion counselling guidance: Abortion Counselling Standard Development

We examined international best practice and relevant clinical settings to identify what works. Through workshops with the Working Group, we identified the critical elements needed for compassionate counselling. 

Stakeholder engagement went beyond routine feedback collection. We facilitated focused discussions to resolve differing perspectives and the final Standard reflected collective wisdom rather than compromise. 

Our work delivered a comprehensive Standard that provides practitioners with clear direction while ensuring abortion counselling services respect individual needs, cultural considerations, and legislative requirements. The Standard emphasises creating safe spaces for people to explore their emotions with counsellors who do not hold conscientious objections to abortion.