State’s new surgical abortion provider requests their name and location not be released

THE Health Department says Tasmanians will have access to low-cost surgical abortions within weeks but has not released the name or location of the new private provider.

Health Department secretary Mike Pervan said negotiations with the new provider had not yet ended.

THE Health Department says Tasmanians will have access to low-cost surgical abortions within weeks but has not released the name or location of the new private provider.

Department secretary Michael Pervan said in a statement on Wednesday the government would pay travel and accommodation costs for the unnamed provider to provide fortnightly clinics.

It is understood clinics will run in the South. Mr Pervan said people who needed to travel to access the service within the state would be eligible for the Patient Transport and Travel Assistance Scheme.

The provider is expected to charge $475 for a surgical termination but Mr Pervan said the price would be reviewed “in later years”.

He would not release the names of the provider or surgical facility at the provider’s request but encouraged women seeking a termination to speak with their GP or a prescribed health organisation such as Family Planning for further information.

Mr Pervan indicated negotiations with the new provider had not yet ended despite the Government’s promise that surgical terminations would be accessible by the end of October.

“Details around any assistance negotiated to secure the service will be made public once all arrangements are finalised,” Mr Pervan said.

Opposition health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell lashed the lack of detail in the announcement as letting down Tasmanian women and called for abortions to be provided in the public health system.

She pointed out that low-cost surgical abortions have been unavailable in the state since January.

“Tasmanian families and women are right to be angry that they have — again — been misled by this Health Minister,” Ms Lovell said.

“They are right to be asking serious questions of the Government’s statement late today which can offer only that it is ‘hopeful’ arrangements with the private provider will be finalised soon.”

Funding to certain health services and Pregnancy Counselling and Support Tasmania would increase, Mr Pervan said.