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Background: The demand for medically assisted reproduction continues to increase, with more women encountering challenges with fertility. Due to misconceptions and gaps in knowledge, women are often unaware of the risks related to delayed childbearing. Lack of understanding of natural fertility, infertility and the role of medically assisted reproduction can lead to emotional suffering and changes in family plans. Aims: To assess the understanding and knowledge that women of reproductive age in North Queensland have regarding natural fertility, infertility and the role of medically assisted reproduction. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 120 women (30 nurses, 30 teachers, 30 university students and 30 Technical and Further Education students) via the distribution of a structured questionnaire. Participants were surveyed in person about their personal plans and opinions, knowledge about natural fertility, infertility and medically assisted reproduction, and their preferred source of information. Results: Participants demonstrated suboptimal knowledge levels throughout all sections of the questionnaire, in particular when asked about medically assisted reproduction. When asked to identify their main source of information, 'friends and family' was the most popular choice. Conclusions: Results from this North Queensland study add to the existing international literature, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. Without adequate understanding of natural fertility, the risks of infertility, and the role and limitations of medically assisted reproduction, women make uninformed decisions. Development of local reproductive health education programs need to be instigated in response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at study which examine the prevalence and clinical burden of strongyloidiasis in pregnant women in Far North Queensland. It mentions women Strongyloides stercoralis serology added to their routine prenatal blood tests and were then followed until the end of their pregnancy. It also mentions prevalence data of S. stercoralis across Australia and reinforce the need for further research in possible endemic locations.

The authors examine medical abortion in Australia as of April 2019, with topics including the need to remove the special drug status of medical abortion medications to allow equitable access and abortion access as a crucial part of the right to health.

The article relates a case that established the legality of pregnancy termination in favor of preserving a woman's health. The case involves medical practitioner Aleck W. Bourne who performed an abortion to a 14-year-old girl who was raped by five officers of the Royal Horse Guards at a London barracks in England. Under the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, abortion is legal if the woman's life is in danger. Bourne faced the law and was acquitted by a defense that the girl is at risk of psychological damage had the pregnancy pursued.