Access to abortion services in Australia is extremely limited, a new study has found.
Researchers from the Monash University showed that GPs in public hospitals don’t have adequate information to refer women to abortion services.
The review, from January-June 2022, used abortion service referral data from the 17 of 34 Health Pathways.
Almost half (47%) had no public services listed for surgical abortion, and 35% had no public services for medical abortion.
More than 60% believed public services should be a last resort, directing referrers away from their abortion services and towards private providers.
The study’s authors say there is an urgent need for transparency around public abortion service availability, clear guidelines to support referral pathways, and commitment from State and Federal governments to expand the availability of accessible, no-cost abortion in Australia.
Meanwhile, Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, has announced that a Women’s Health Advisory Council will be established to tackle medical misogyny.
It will provide advice to the government on all matters involving women's health.