Improving Access to Medical Termination of Pregnancies in New South Wales

By Imogen D’Souza, University of Sydney, WHA, 2021

Imogen is studying a Master of Global Health at the University of Sydney. Her policy paper is about Improving Access to Medical Termination of Pregnancies in New South Wales.

Executive Summary

Access to safe and affordable abortion services, including medical termination of pregnancy, is a key pillar of sexual and reproductive health rights. As medical termination of pregnancy quickly becomes the chosen abortive option for women1 worldwide, the availability and accessibility of the procedure across New South Wales remains restricted. This policy paper seeks to identify the key factors that prevent access to medical termination services and how these obstacles are exacerbated in rural, regional, and remote areas. This paper will also discuss two key recommendations for government and other stakeholders, that aim to improve the availability of prescribers and dispensers and expand models of care for medical termination of pregnancy in an effort to enhance sexual and reproductive health provision across the state.

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