The government announced sweeping commitments to reform reproductive health on Thursday morning, promising to remove out-of-pocket costs for abortions, extend the window for medical abortion to 10 weeks gestation and expand the 1800 My Options abortion care phone line at a cost of $30 million.
The proposal was matched later in the day by Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who committed to removing out-of-pocket costs for care costs for abortions up to 16 weeks.
Labor’s plan was welcomed by the Royal Australian College of GPs, with the organisation’s Victorian chair Dr Anita Muñoz calling improved access to abortion care a step towards a fairer healthcare system.
“Every Victorian deserves access to safe, timely, and affordable healthcare close to home, regardless of where they live,” she said.
“Access to abortion care remains inequitable across Victoria, with women in regional and rural communities often facing significant travel, cost, and workforce barriers.
“No woman should have to travel hundreds of kilometres or delay care because of where she lives or what she can afford.”
The abortion pledges came after the Coalition matched Labor’s promise to expand the Victorian Patient Transport Access Scheme, which offers financial assistance to eligible Victorians travelling to access specialist treatment.
Both Labor and the Coalition committed $53.6 million to expanding the scheme, changes which would see the accommodation support increase for $125 per night and private vehicle travel subsidies to 35 cents per kilometre.
It’s a significant change from the current model with compensation maxing out at $49.50 a night and 21 cents a kilometre.
“Many of our patients in northern Victoria and other regional and rural communities have to travel long distances to access non-GP specialists,” Dr Muñoz said.
“The cost is a burden, especially when someone needs medical care.”
“Anything which reduces the financial burden of travelling for treatment is a positive step for patients who regularly travel for cancer care, dialysis, or other specialist appointments.”
One Nation Victoria does not have a formal policy position on abortion or the VPTAS and did not respond to The Riv’s questions.
The Victorian Election will be held on November 28.
