New hitch hits low-cost abortion service with procedures available, but not through chosen provider

The health care provider that will offer low-cost surgical abortions in Tasmania has not yet been able to work in the state.

THE Melbourne-based health care provider that will offer low-cost surgical abortions in Tasmania has not yet been able to work in the state — however the procedure is available and being performed by private specialists.

A Health Department spokesman on Friday confirmed Hampton Park Women’s Health Care had hit a roadblock in being able to perform abortions in Tasmania and was currently unable to take referrals as planned.

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He said private hospital gynaecologists were delivering low-cost surgical terminations while capital works were under way on an operating clinic that would, upon completion, allow Hampton Park to perform the procedure.

“The provider, Hampton Park, had been in negotiations with a Hobart facility to provide this service, but is unable to continue taking referrals as expected,” the Health Department spokesman said.

“The facility has agreed to take the referrals, however, and procedures have been provided at the agreed $475 cost.

“The department is working to get an agreement with an alternative facility so that the provider can commence service delivery in Tasmania.”

The spokesman emphasised that surgical abortion services were available in Tasmania as announced in November last year.

“In all cases, women should see their GP or a prescribed health service such as Family Planning or Women’s Health Tasmania to discuss their options regarding an unwanted pregnancy,” the spokesman said.

The provision of low-cost surgical abortion services became politicised last year after the state’s sole provider closed its doors mid-January.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson copped criticism for not allowing the procedure in the public system, however, he said he was acting on the advice of his department.

In November, Health Department secretary Michael Pervan announced that Hampton Park Women’s Health Care would visit the state once a fortnight to perform the procedure from the end of that month. About 125 Tasmanian women accessed a surgical pregnancy termination at Marie Stopes clinics on the mainland between January and November.