A Victorian government initiative aims to expand access to medical abortion by deploying portable ultrasound machines across sexual and reproductive health clinics, signaling a push to protect and improve reproductive rights ahead of an upcoming state election. The move comes as officials warn that opposition parties could use abortion as a political bargaining tool in the event of a divided parliament. Health and women’s rights ministers will outline the plan, framing it as a direct response to concerns over potential rollbacks to women’s healthcare. The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding reproductive services amid shifting political dynamics.
Exclusive: ‘We don’t want to see any winding back of women’s rights,’ health minister says ahead of state electionGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Victorian Labor government is announcing new measures to improve access to medical abortion, as it puts reproductive rights on the election agenda and claims One Nation could use abortion as a negotiating chip with the Coalition in the event of a hung parliament.On Thursday, the deputy premier and minister for women, Gabrielle Williams, and the health minister, Ingrid Stitt, will announce a rollout of new portable ultrasound machines for the state’s 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs. Continue reading...
