Victorian Labor puts reproductive rights on election agenda as it warns One Nation could try to wind back abortion access
News Source
β’Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:00:51 GMT
π° What Happened
Victoria's Labor government is putting reproductive rights on the election agenda. It will fund new portable ultrasound machines for the state's 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs.
The machines cost $480,000. They help confirm early pregnancy sooner, making it easier for women to access medical abortion, which can be used up to nine weeks' gestation.
Deputy premier Gabrielle Williams and health minister Ingrid Stitt announced the plan. Stitt said it would help women in regional Victoria avoid long travel for scans.
π The Backstory
Abortion was decriminalised in Victoria in 2008. Women can get a termination in the first 24 weeks, and later with two doctors' agreement.
Labor points to safe access zones around clinics since 2015 and mobile and virtual women's health clinics as other steps. One virtual clinic said nearly 60% of its first-year appointments supported medical abortion.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson has ruled out changing the state's abortion laws. Labor warns One Nation could use the issue as a bargaining chip in a hung parliament.
π― Why It Matters
Abortion access is becoming a key election issue in Victoria. The plan is meant to protect and expand services, while signalling what could be at stake for voters.
Victoria's Labor government is putting reproductive rights on the election agenda. It will fund new portable ultrasound machines for the state's 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs.
The machines cost $480,000. They help confirm early pregnancy sooner, making it easier for women to access medical abortion, which can be used up to nine weeks' gestation.
Deputy premier Gabrielle Williams and health minister Ingrid Stitt announced the plan. Stitt said it would help women in regional Victoria avoid long travel for scans.
Abortion was decriminalised in Victoria in 2008. Women can get a termination in the first 24 weeks, and later with two doctors' agreement.
Labor points to safe access zones around clinics since 2015 and mobile and virtual women's health clinics as other steps. One virtual clinic said nearly 60% of its first-year appointments supported medical abortion.
Opposition leader Jess Wilson has ruled out changing the state's abortion laws. Labor warns One Nation could use the issue as a bargaining chip in a hung parliament.
Abortion access is becoming a key election issue in Victoria. The plan is meant to protect and expand services, while signalling what could be at stake for voters.