New Plan Aims to Make Abortion Care More Affordable Across Australia
28 Aug 2026
New Plan Aims to Make Abortion Care More Affordable Across Australia
A group of healthcare experts has proposed practical changes to make abortion care more affordable and easier to access, particularly for women facing financial, geographic or other barriers.
The SPHERE Coalition, led by Monash University, has released a roadmap calling for governments to address the costs that can make abortion care difficult to afford.
The coalition brings together doctors, healthcare professionals, consumers, peak health organisations and other experts working to improve sexual and reproductive healthcare in Australia.
The group has outlined nine recommendations to improve access and reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Key proposals include:
- Introducing a targeted bulk-billing incentive for sexual and reproductive health consultations.
- Providing free ultrasound services needed for abortion care.
- Increasing Medicare rebates for surgical abortion.
- Providing greater support for the cost of abortion medicines and related medical supplies.
- Reviewing health insurance arrangements for people on temporary visas.
- Creating state and territory services to help people find and access suitable abortion care.
- Funding intrauterine contraceptive device insertion during surgical abortion when appropriate.
SPHERE Coalition Chair and Head of General Practice at Monash University, Professor Danielle Mazza, said many patients still face costs that can make accessing abortion care difficult.
These expenses can include consultations, ultrasounds, medicines, follow-up care, travel, childcare and time away from work.
Professor Mazza said these costs can have a greater impact on people who are unemployed or working casually, younger people, those living in rural and remote areas, people without Medicare and international students or temporary visa holders.
She also highlighted the cost of surgical abortion, which is still largely provided through private services, creating additional expenses for patients.
The recommendations were developed following the 2023 Senate Inquiry into Universal Access to Reproductive Healthcare. They also build on discussions held at the National Abortion Affordability Roundtable in Melbourne earlier this year.
Professor Mazza said the proposed changes are practical steps that could improve affordability and access without requiring major legislative reform.
The coalition is encouraging governments and healthcare professionals to recognise the barriers patients face and support policies that improve access to affordable abortion care.
New Plan Aims to Make Abortion Care More Affordable Across Australia
Source: newsGP / RACGP