Pro-Life Group Warns That Expanding Abortion Access Endangers Women’s Lives
Abortion access in Queensland has been expanded by the Labor government, allowing nurses and midwives to participate in pregnancy terminations.
As of Sep. 3, qualified nurses and midwives can now administer medical abortions using the drug MS2-Step, not just doctors.
This policy change aims to enhance access to abortions in rural and regional areas by enabling medical professionals to prescribe MS-2 Step, a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, for pregnancies up to 63 days’ gestation.
Mary Collier, CEO of Right to Life Australia, raised concerns about the potential risks of widening this access, particularly in areas with limited emergency health care.
She questioned the motives behind expanding access to abortions and called for accountability from companies and medical professionals benefiting financially from the procedure.
In response to these concerns, the CEO of the Australian Medical Association Queensland emphasized the importance of proper assessment tools for determining the necessity of an abortion, including dating pregnancies, detecting ectopic pregnancies, and access to local emergency care.
With a state election approaching, Cherish Life CEO Matthew Cliff urged voters to consider candidates’ stances on abortion, emphasizing the importance of valuing life.
The Queensland legislation is part of the Termination of Pregnancy Action Plan 2032, which allocates $41.8 million to enhance abortion access and increase workforce numbers in the state.
Minister for Health and Women Shannon Fentiman emphasized the significance of timely termination services as a basic human right and essential health service, particularly for women in rural and remote areas.
The government plans to recruit additional clinicians to support early abortion access and reduce the need for later-term abortions.
The Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union Secretary, Sarah Beaman, praised the Labor government for prioritizing women’s autonomy, choice of provider, and reproductive rights.
