Six years ago, my bill removed abortion from the Crimes Act and regulated it as a healthcare procedure. Modern laws now protect doctors performing and women seeking abortion care from criminal sanctions, setting a pathway for improved access. While the laws led to increased government funding and more doctors practicing, women in rural and remote areas continue to face challenges accessing abortions because they may not have a local GP, or their local GP has long wait lists or a conscientious objection.

In parliament I supported a Greens’ bill to authorise nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to perform ‘medical abortions’ with prescription drugs. The TGA has authorised nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe MS-2 Step and they are already doing it in other states. Nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives are highly skilled health professionals who provide patient centred, holistic care often as the primary health provider. They prescribe a range of medications and won’t be forced to prescribe if they have a conscientious objection against abortions. 

Access to medical abortions close to home, family and supports provides the safest and least distressing way to terminate an unwanted pregnancy and the bill will extend access to early medical abortions outside of cities. The bill is set to pass the parliament soon.

My speeches > HERE and HERE.