Victoria to make abortions free as Coalition matches Labor’s election promise

Victoria will become Australia’s first state to provide free universal access to abortion care regardless of the outcome of the November election. The opposition Coalition announced its support several hours after Labor made the pledge.

Opposition leader Jess Wilson said a Coalition government would cover patients’ out-of-pocket costs for GP and specialist consultations, scans, tests and medication for abortions up to 16 weeks’ gestation. Those costs can exceed A$1,000.

The Coalition would also expand Victoria’s patient transport assistance scheme so women in regional areas who must travel long distances for abortion care could receive subsidised travel and accommodation.

Differences between the parties’ plans

The Coalition did not match Labor’s proposal to extend access to medical abortion from nine to 10 weeks. It also rejected a clinical review of whether the procedure could safely be offered up to 12 weeks.

Medical abortion is currently subsidised through Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme up to nine weeks, while World Health Organization guidance allows use up to 12 weeks.

Positions on abortion laws

Wilson said abortion laws would not change under a Coalition government. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll and Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, however, warned of a possible threat from One Nation if the election produced a hung parliament.

Abortion was decriminalised in Victoria in 2008. Terminations are available during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy and later with the agreement of two doctors.