FROM July 1, women seeking an abortion will be able to do so with a local general practitioner or telehealth provider, rather than before, which was only through an approved medical facility. 

“Up until now, abortions could only be provided at an approved medical facility, such as Marie Stopes, or the Canberra Hospital,” says Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris.

“While people can still self-refer to Marie Stopes at any time, knowing they can go to a local GP or use a telehealth service within nine weeks will give a person peace of mind that a two-step medication can be arranged with a timely appointment close to home.”

The extensions of these services will follow the commencement of the “Health (Improving Abortion Access) Amendment Act 2018.

“Expanding this service to provide more choice and safe options for a person who chooses to have an abortion is fundamentally important,” she says.

“It also means a person will be able to choose where they take the prescribed medication, making the process more personal and sensitive to individual circumstances.”