Removing the issue of cost gives pregnant people greater ability to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
20 April 2023
ACT residents can access free medical and surgical abortions from today.
These services are available to all residents living in the ACT seeking abortion at up to 16 weeks gestation.
Free long-acting reversible contraceptives will also be made available, if wanted, at the time of abortion.
Cost can be a significant barrier in accessing safe, legal abortions. Making these services free for all ACT residents, including those without access to Medicare, gives pregnant people greater ability to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
The start of free services is part of the ACT Government’s commitment of $4.6 million over the next four years, supporting service providers to make both services free.
In the ACT, medical abortions up to nine weeks gestation are available through a trained GP, telehealth services or MSI Australia (formally known as Marie Stopes Australia).
MSI Australia also offers surgical abortions up to 16 weeks gestation.
Initially the no-cost medical abortions and free long-acting reversible contraceptives will only be available from MSI Australia while negotiations continue to expand the scheme to other providers in the near future.
No-cost surgical abortions and long-acting reversible contraceptives at the time of surgical abortion are available at MSI Australia over the four-year funding period.
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