MSI Australia, a leading provider of abortion and contraception services in Queensland and across Australia, today welcomed the introduction of new legislation in Queensland that will allow nurses and midwives to prescribe and dispense medical abortion medication.
This significant development marks a pivotal moment in reproductive health care in Australia.
“We are thrilled to see this legislative change introduced into the Queensland parliament,” said Greg Johnson, Managing Director of MSI Australia.
“This is a step forward in making abortion and contraception care more accessible and stigma-free.
“Abortion care is a postcode lottery – depending on where you live you may have no local access to abortion services. There may be no local doctor willing to prescribe abortion medicines and no local access to hospital-based abortion care. Taking these steps to make abortion care more community based and available in regional areas is essential.
“We are committed to supporting and implementing these changes alongside the Queensland Government.”
MSI Australia’s Director of Clinical Excellence, Dr Catriona Melville, expressed strong support for the legislation.
“The introduction of this legislation in Queensland is monumental as it will empower nurses and midwives to play a crucial role in abortion care,” she said.
“Having more health practitioners able to provide medication abortion means fewer people will have to travel, often hundreds of kilometres, to access medical abortion. And it will also mean less stigma in the community as abortion care becomes more like other essential health services.
“We are especially grateful for the Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman’s vocal support for enabling nurses and midwives to prescribe the abortion medicines.
“This progressive move will not only contribute to better health outcomes for Queenslanders but will also set a positive example for other States and Territories.
“We are excited to see abortion and contraception care evolving and look forward to supporting nurses and midwives in delivery of these services throughout the State.”
MSI Australia is Australia’s leading specialised non-profit advocate and provider of abortion and contraception services.
MSI has a Choice Fund to provide support for people experiencing financial hardship or other barriers to abortion and contraception care. Each year we support hundreds of very disadvantaged people in the community to gain access to care. You can donate here.
– Ends –
For further information contact Anna Jabour on 0428 396 391.
MSI Australia is the only 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