Victorian MP Georgie Purcell calls out hospital act

A Victorian MP has lashed out at hospitals in the state for what she says is a ridiculous reason to not treat specific patients.

A politician has called out hospital staff who refuse medical treatment based on their religious beliefs.

Georgie Purcell, a Victorian MP from the Animal Justice Party, recently opened up in parliament about the fact she needed her copper IUD, a birth control implant, removed.

It had lodged itself in her uterus wall, and had created a risk of perforating it.

“In order for it to proceed, I had to have the procedure at a non-religious hospital,” she said.

“All over Victoria, there are hospitals conscientiously objecting to all reproductive healthcare services for women and gender diverse people.”

Georgie Purcell has called out hospitals objecting to treatments based on religious grounds. Picture: Instagram/Georgie Purcell

She said the institutions were receiving taxpayer funds but legally could deny those services.

Ms Purcell, who initially shared her personal experience and frustration with the medical system in February, said in a recent social media video that since sharing her experience she has been contacted by people in “droves” including many with “similar experiences”.

“Women who were denied contraception after giving birth. Women who had to terminate wanted pregnancies for medical reasons forced to seek out another hospital to accept them,” she said.

“Women who are hospitalised for emergencies and denied their prescription birth control while in the hospital bed, in the public system where patients can’t choose their provider or are literally zoned to them due to location. Hospitals should not be allowed to deny essential, and sometimes life saving healthcare services.

“In fact, medical care should never be shaped by any imposed religious faith. I reiterate the need for the Victorian government to end institutional conscientious objections and ensure fair, equal and compassionate access to healthcare for every Victorian across our state.”

Ms Purcell’s video struck a chord with Victorians, with many sharing their own stories and opinions. Many were shocked that this was even a reality in Australia.

She realised this after having her copper IUD removed. Picture: Facebook/Georgie Purcell

“As a religious individual, religious beliefs have no place in healthcare. Hospitals should provide all healthcare, not just religious-specific healthcare,” one social media user said.

One commented: “This is absolutely insane and NOT OK!!!”

“Now THIS is a topic that would change my vote. Free, accessible, healthcare for all. Not $50 for a GP visit, not hospitals denying care, not even non-cosmetic dental costing a cent. Is any party actually backing this,” one said.

Another added: “Hospitals that receive ANY public funding should not have any religious affiliation at all. Ever.”

“A doctor wouldn’t give me the pill at my appointment because of her religion if I’d known I would have booked another doctor,” one shared.

One social media user commented: “Ridiculous in Australia. If they get government funding they should give equal care … but as women we don’t know our bodies so men need to decide don't they?”

“Wow this is happening in Australia, I really thought the start of the video was going to be another country. Religion shouldn’t be involved in healthcare or politics,” one said.

Originally published as Victorian MP Georgie Purcell calls out hospital act