The ACT's accessible abortions scheme has expanded to include no-cost medical abortions at selected general practices in the ACT.
The provision of no-cost abortions at more locations in the Territory is the next phase in the ACT Government's commitment to removing the financial barrier to Canberrans in need of abortion services.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women Yvette Berry said: "The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that women and people who can become pregnant can be in control of and make informed decisions about their health care based on what is best for them and their circumstances."
"Nobody should ever have to choose between access to healthcare and putting food on the table. Expanding access to no-cost abortions is important in ensuring that anyone who needs to access these services can do so."
No-cost medical and surgical abortions have been available since April 2023 at MSI Australia in Civic as part of a $4.6 million investment over four years to provide all ACT residents, including those without a Medicare card, access to free abortion services.
The ACT Government has partnered with Women's Health Matters to incentivise no-cost medical abortions at two ACT general practices, with the potential to expand to other providers in the future.
People who access these general practice services will also be able to access pathology, imaging and pharmacy services at no cost from participating providers.
This will ensure the entire abortion process can be provided at no cost to the client.
"Women and people who can become pregnant should be able to make decisions about their health care without stigmatisation or financial burden," Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said.
"Access to safe, timely and free abortion services allows Canberrans to obtain appropriate, safe and timely care, and avoid potential detrimental impacts to their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
"Having no-cost medical abortions available in different parts of Canberra provides more options for women and people who can become pregnant to access earlier support."
Medical abortions are available up to nine weeks gestation. MSI Australia will also continue to provide no-cost medical abortions up to nine weeks, and surgical abortions up to 16 weeks gestation.
Free long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) will also be offered for free at the time of abortion at both MSI Australia and participating GPs.
