Victoria is set to become the first Australian state to provide abortion services free of charge, with both major political parties committing to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion care in the lead-up to the state election in November.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson announced on Thursday that a Coalition government would match the incumbent Labor Party’s pledge to cover costs associated with abortion up to 16 weeks’ gestation. This funding would encompass consultations with general practitioners and specialists, scans, tests, and medication—expenses that can quickly exceed A$1,000. The policy also includes expanding the Victorian patient transport assistance scheme to cover subsidised travel and accommodation for women in regional areas who must travel significant distances to access abortion services.
If implemented, Victoria would become the first Australian state to offer universal free access to abortion care, following the Australian Capital Territory, which began subsidising out-of-pocket expenses for abortion in 2023.
However, Wilson stated the Coalition would not adopt Labor’s proposal to extend access to medical abortion from nine to 10 weeks’ gestation or to commission a clinical review to consider safe provision up to 12 weeks, which aligns with World Health Organization recommendations. Currently, medical abortion is subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for use up to nine weeks.
In response to the announcement, Labor’s health minister, Ingrid Stitt, emphasised the party’s commitment to protecting women’s reproductive rights. She suggested that the minor party One Nation, which has indicated support for criminalising abortion, could leverage the issue in coalition negotiations should the election produce a hung parliament. Stitt said, “Only Labor will protect a woman’s right to choose,” underscoring concerns about One Nation’s influence.
Wilson reiterated her rejection of any changes to Victoria’s abortion laws under Coalition leadership. “There will be no changes to abortion laws under a government I lead. Full stop,” she said, criticizing Labor for politicising the issue at election time. Wilson has consistently described abortion as a decision best made by women in consultation with their healthcare providers.
Premier Ben Carroll, who holds the Health portfolio, reaffirmed Labor’s stance, highlighting its role in decriminalising abortion in Victoria in 2008 and warning against efforts by One Nation to restrict access. He stated, “You’ve seen the leader of One Nation very clearly say that he wants to roll back access to abortion. He wants to rob women of their right to choose their own future."
Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell welcomed the Coalition’s matching of the policy, noting its importance for women’s healthcare access and calling for immediate implementation. Purcell, who has advocated for free abortion care alongside Legalise Cannabis MP Marcel Payne, described Wilson’s commitment as a positive development ahead of the election.
Under current Victorian law, abortion is available on request during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy and beyond that with the approval of two doctors. The move to remove financial barriers is expected to improve access, especially for women in rural and regional areas who face additional logistical challenges.