Senators urge Tasmanian government to act on abortion access

THE Senate has agreed to lobby the Federal Government to work with its state counterpart to improve access to affordable surgical abortions for Tasmanian women.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THE Senate has agreed to lobby the Federal Government to work with its state counterparts to improve access to affordable surgical abortions in Tasmania.

A successful motion from Tasmanian Labor senators Carol Brown and Catryna Bilyk noted there was still no surgical pregnancy termination provider in the state despite assurances from state Health Minister Michael Ferguson that one would be operational from October.

A new private provider is scheduled to open in the South this month.

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In a joint statement, the senators and Franklin Labor MHR Julie Collins urged the Tasmanian Government to provide pregnancy terminations in the public system.

“All Tasmanian women should be able to access safe and affordable abortion services in the public health system if they choose to do so,” the trio said.

Mr Ferguson said: “As we’ve previously indicated I am advised that the new provider is scheduled to begin this month — that hasn’t changed.

“The new provider has indicated they intend on providing GPs and other relevant health services details on the new service before it commences and has already made introductions on a confidential process.”

Tasmania’s only surgical abortion provider closed in 2017 due to low demand.