GenWest proudly joins 40 health and medical organisations in signing this joint statement urging all political parties and candidates to commit to ensuring affordable, accessible abortion care in Australia.
We call on all political parties and candidates to commit to ensuring affordable, accessible abortion care in Australia.
Abortion is essential healthcare and must be accessible—no matter where you live, who you are, or how much money you have.
Australia’s healthcare system is built on the promise of universal access. Yet for many, abortion remains difficult to access—due to geography, cost, limited providers, stigma, and discrimination. These barriers disproportionately impact people on low incomes, those in rural and remote communities, young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and migrant and refugee communities.
The rise of the anti-rights movement is threatening sexual and reproductive health rights around the world—and Australia is not immune. We are seeing renewed attempts to wind back abortion rights in some states and territories.
Now more than ever, we need bold, unified political leadership at all levels of government to protect abortion rights and strengthen access.
“Abortion is essential healthcare and must be available to anyone who needs it. We know that abortion continues to be stigmatised and this leads to significant barriers to access – especially if you are on a low income, or live in a regional area. In Victoria alone, around two-thirds of local government areas have no surgical abortion providers. If those candidates seeking your votes in this election are serious about providing universal healthcare for all Australians, then they must commit to ensuring safe, affordable, accessible abortion care.”
Sally Hasler, Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Health Victoria
