MSI Australia applauds ACT Government moves to become the first jurisdiction to provide free abortion access to all women and pregnant people, including those on temporary visas.
Abortion and contraception are areas of healthcare that remain vastly under-funded throughout a patchwork of regions in Australia.
Managing Director Jamal Hakim welcomed the announcement.
“This week the ACT Government has announced a game changer for reproductive rights,” he said.
“For migrant and refugee communities, barriers to sexual and reproductive health are exceptionally complex.
“Not only will the ACT Government provide free access to abortion and contraception for all, they will be exploring all of the complex access barriers at play.
“We need harmonisation across the country on this issue – we need a national approach and for all states and territories to follow the ACT’s lead.”
MSI Canberra Clinic Nurse Unit Manager Melissa Ryan said it was fantastic news for the ACT.
“When I heard the news this morning, I thought it was wonderful,” she said.
“Free abortion care in the ACT has been a long time coming.
“Cost can be a huge barrier so to see the ACT Government leading the way on this issues, particularly for those on temporary visas is a national game-changer.
“The government has flagged funding won’t begin until mid-2023. That is 12 months away and women and pregnant people have been waiting too long already for low cost access.
“We’d like to see free access this year.”
The ACT Government media release can be viewed here.
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MSI Australia is a national not for profit provider of sexual and reproductive health services including permanent and long-acting reversible contraception and abortion care. For more information on our clinic network visit msiaustralia.org.au.