31 July 2018
Greens MP Michael Berkman has called on Labor to plan for free, universal access to abortion services after the Health Minister outlined a “wait and hope” approach to reducing out-of-pocket costs.
“It seems like Labor don’t have a plan to expand our universal healthcare system to cover free access to abortion services.
“Labor’s plan sounds like “wait and hope”. They’re taking a punt that decriminalising abortion will be enough to bring down the sometimes massive out-of-pocket costs, and a host of other barriers they’ve identified.
“Right now 95% of terminations are delivered in the private and NGO system, where costs can range from $250 to $5,000.
“Especially for women and those accessing services in regional Queensland, cost and distance are massive barriers.
“Abortion should be safe, legal and free.
Media contact: Abe O’Neill 0439 758 860