Today, the Victorian Government committed that, if re-elected, it will make abortion care free in Victoria. Out-of-pocket costs for medical and surgical abortion up to 16 weeks would be removed at participating providers.
For many women, this would be life-changing. Cost is one of the biggest barriers still standing in Victoria, and it falls hardest on those least able to carry it. Every week, women call us asking if they can book in after their next pay. While they wait, the weeks pass, and care that could have been simple becomes harder to access.
For women experiencing family violence or reproductive coercion, delay can also put them at risk. When time is short, needing to find the money first shouldn’t stand between a woman and safe care.
“A woman’s freedom to decide is only real if she can get the care she needs. No woman in Victoria should be denied safe abortion care because of where she lives or what’s in her bank account.”
— Adurty Rao, CEO, MSI Australia
This commitment is the result of years of work by women’s health organisations, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and researchers, and most of all, by women who shared their own stories, often at real personal cost. We thank the Minister for Health, Ingrid Stitt, for listening.
With the state election six weeks away, we’re calling on every political party to make the same commitment, so women in Victoria know this care will be there for them, whoever forms government.
Need care now?
This commitment hasn’t come into effect yet. If you need an abortion today, we’re here for you, in our Victorian clinics or through our telehealth service, which reaches women in regional and rural areas without the need to travel. [Book an appointment]
Read the full media release here
If this raises concerns for you, please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, or Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 (24 hours, Victoria).
