Every GP in Australia will now be able to prescribe abortion pill

Every GP in Australia will now be able to prescribe abortion pills in a move that will help women across the country.

Every GP and nurse practitioner in Australia will be able to prescribe the abortion pill for the first time in a move that will expand access for women including in regional areas.

In the biggest overhaul of access since RU486 was first introduced in Australia over a decade ago, the rules for pharmacies will also be relaxed – a move that means every chemist can also now dispense.

Previously, regulations meant that only medical practitioners could prescribe and only if they were registered and had conducted additional training.

As a result, only a small group of GPs could prescribe – around ten per cent of GPs nationwide could prescribe the abortion pill, and nurse practitioners could not legally prescribe it.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved an application from MS Health to amend restrictions on the prescribing of MS-2 Step (Mifepristone and Misoprostol). Picture: Getty Images via AFP

Only a third of chemists could dispense the drug under the rules, meaning women could drive long distances and have difficulty accessing treatment.

Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney, a former nurse, said the changes represented a “common sense approach to the changes that will improve access for women in rural and regional areas from driving long distances for medical treatment.

“That has really added to the cost. Because if you have to travel, you may have to take an extra day off work,” she said.

“It’s really added to the stress. We know it’s time limited, of course. So, there’s some urgency about getting the treatment early.”

The Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Currently, GPs have to undergo special training and special registration to be able to prescribe the drug.

“Which has resulted, you’ll be surprised to know, only 10 per cent of GPs actually doing that training and registering to be able to prescribe,” Ms Kearney told ABC Breakfast.

“And the same applies for pharmacists. So only 30 per cent of all pharmacists around Australia can actually dispense. This has created an enormous barrier for lots of women who need this treatment.”

The cost of a medical abortion can range from between $100-$600 and the changes are also expected to put downward pressure on the cost.

The changes come into effect on August 1. Picture: Getty Images

The Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision said the changes would take effect from August 1.

Based on independent clinical expertise, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has also recommended that the prescription of MS-2 Step by nurse practitioners be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

The abortion pill is available to women up to 9 weeks gestation.

“So it’s time critical. It means that people need to access it early on and as quickly as possible,” Ms Kearney said.

“So increasing access will make it so much easier for women to take the stress out of it. To get a pharmacist nearby who can dispense it will take a lot of stress and time and a lot of cost away from the whole process.

“The supply is not a problem. And we’re confident that supply will be adequate and there will be enough in those regions.”

Asked why Australia had moved so slowly compared to other countries, Ms Kearney said, “That’s a good question.”

“We were kind of late coming to this. You may remember that it was a very sensitive issue when it was first introduced,” she said.

“We’re really pleased for the women of Australia that these changes have been made. It fits into the government’s agenda of strengthening Medicare. Also working towards all health professionals working to their full scope of practice. So it’s a good thing that other health professionals can work with women in this situation. It’s good news.”

The changes will take effect from August 1.

RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins

The Royal Australian College of GPs President Dr Nicole Higgins said it was a “huge step forward” to improve access.

“As a GP in a regional centre, I know all too well that there are significant barriers to reproductive care in rural and remote areas. These services are vital, and they must be affordable and accessible for everyone who needs them,” she said.

“The TGA’s changes will enable greater access to medical abortion for women throughout Australia and will reduce unnecessary red tape for the GPs who provide these essential services.”