CANBERRANS can now access free medical abortions up to nine weeks and surgical abortions up to 16 weeks at MSI Australia’s Canberra clinic.

The ACT government is spending more than $4.6 million over four years to provide all ACT residents, including those without a Medicare card, access to free abortion services.

MSI Canberra Clinic Nurse Unit Manager Melissa Ryan says: “Abortion care is basic healthcare and it is wonderful that the ACT has stepped up and become the first jurisdiction in Australia to fund free access to abortion care.

“We regularly see people who are struggling to pay for the cost of abortion care, and this will make such a huge difference to the lives of countless people.

“It means women and pregnant people in the ACT can make an informed decision without having to worry about the financial burden it will have.”

Medical abortions up to nine weeks gestation are available through a trained GP, telehealth service or MSI Australia (formally known as Marie Stopes Australia). MSI Australia also offers surgical abortions up to 16 weeks gestation.

The government says Thursday’s announcement means that no-cost surgical abortions and long-acting reversible contraceptives at the time of surgical abortion will be available at MSI Australia over a four-year funding period.

As a first step in providing wider access to free abortion services, no-cost medical abortions and free long-acting reversible contraceptives will also be available from MSI Australia from this week while the government negotiates to expand the scheme to other providers, including general practices and non-government community partners.