The Tasmanian Health Department will allow women referred for a surgical abortion interstate to access the patient transport assistance scheme to help cover the costs of travel.
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The announcement follows the closure of Tasmania’s last private abortion clinic in Hobart.
“This is a temporary measure being put in place by DHHS while they explore service options,” Health Minister Michael Ferguson said.
Mr Ferguson earlier said the Health Department was investigating alternative options for surgical abortion provision in Tasmania.
Family Planning Tasmania chief executive Cedric Manen said the Hobart clinic’s closure would particularly impact women in the North and North-West who may need a surgical abortion and were already facing a trip to Hobart.
“It doesn’t help the women of the North and North-West who are facing basically a five-hour trip and a procedure without a lack of support from family and loved ones, so it’s not ideal,” he said.
Mr Manen said Family Planning Tasmania regularly provided counselling and support services to women who were considering their options around a pregnancy.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Bastian Seidel had earlier suggested women referred for an interstate surgical abortion should have their costs covered by the health system..
Dr Seidel said while medical abortions through tablets such as RU-486 had reduced the demand for surgical abortions, for some women a medical abortion was not appropriate and they needed easy access to necessary services.
Advice or support around reproductive health is available at Family Planning Tasmania on 6273 9117.
