Victoria will become the first state in Australia to provide free access to abortion care, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming November election. This significant move comes as the Liberal National Coalition has pledged to match Labor's commitment to cover out-of-pocket costs for abortion services, announced just hours earlier.
Coalition's Commitment
On Thursday afternoon, Jess Wilson, the opposition leader, confirmed to Guardian Australia that a Coalition government would ensure coverage for abortion care costs up to 16 weeks’ gestation. This includes expenses for GP and specialist consultations, scans, tests, and medication, which can exceed $1,000.
The Coalition's promise means that Victoria will lead the nation in offering free universal access to abortion services, following the Australian Capital Territory, which began covering these costs in 2023.
Additionally, the Coalition plans to expand the Victorian patient transport assistance scheme. This will allow women in regional areas who need to travel long distances for abortion care to receive subsidized travel and accommodation.
““The Liberals and Nationals will not allow Labor to play politics on this issue,” Wilson stated. “Labor has had 12 years to improve access to healthcare but are instead choosing to play politics.”
Labor's Position
However, the Victorian opposition has chosen not to match Labor's commitment to extend access to medical abortion from nine to ten weeks’ gestation or to conduct a clinical review to assess the safety of offering it up to 12 weeks’ gestation. Currently, medical abortion is subsidized through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for use up to nine weeks, while the World Health Organization allows for up to twelve weeks.
