Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Thursday became First Australian state to guarantee free abortion care.
Under the new policy, women living in the ACT can have abortions up to 16 weeks pregnant. The ACT government has pointed to cost as a significant barrier to safe and legal abortion in the state. “By making these services free for all ACT residents, including those without access to Medicare, pregnant women can increase their ability to make their own decisions about their health care,” the government said in a press release. increase.”
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith Said, The policy is a step forward for reproductive rights in Australia, but much work still needs to be done on access. “As the ACT Government works to expand services across the ACT, we will continue to engage with service providers, including common practices and non-governmental community partners,” said Stephen-Smith.
Tim Bavinton, Executive Director of Sexual Health & Family Planning, also welcomed the announcement.
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) welcomes these next steps in delivering on the ACT Government’s budgetary commitments to improve access to abortion in Canberra communities. Timely and equitable access to abortion and long-acting reversible contraceptive options.
The free service is part of the ACT Government’s commitment of $4.6 million over the next four years, ACT Legislative Assembly Research Report Examine the experiences of people seeking abortions in the ACT.
The research report produced 18 recommendations including resources for free access, post-procedure support and mental health support. The report also proposed the release of medical data on forced reproductive practices in ACT.
