Gateway Health is proud to stand alongside more than 40 leading health and medical organisations in supporting a joint statement calling on all political candidates and parties to commit to ensuring abortion is accessible, affordable and recognised as essential healthcare in Australia.
The joint statement, released ahead of the 2025 federal election, highlights that despite being a key part of reproductive healthcare, abortion remains difficult to access for many people, especially those living in regional and remote areas, people on low incomes, First Nations communities and migrant and refugee populations.
The statement outlines five priority actions for government to ensure equitable abortion access:
- Demonstrating national leadership to affirm abortion as essential healthcare
- Ensuring the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fairly remunerates healthcare providers
- Supporting workforce development and training for medical professionals
- Requiring public hospitals to offer abortion care as part of comprehensive reproductive health services
- Collaborating across all levels of government to implement the 36 recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare
The media release accompanying the statement stresses that access to abortion is not only a healthcare issue but a matter of equity and rights.
“Abortion services are an essential part of healthcare and we must ensure timely, safe and affordable access for everyone who needs it across Australia,” said Dr Anita Muñoz, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (Victoria).
“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,” added Sally Hasler, CEO of Women’s Health Victoria.
Gateway Health remains committed to advocating for equitable healthcare access and is proud to join this united call for national leadership to protect and prioritise reproductive rights for all.
Read the full Joint Statement on Abortion Access
