Fears for abortion services seven years after Victorian law reform

By Julia Medew
Updated December 7 2016 - 6:08pm, first published 10:38am
Doctors and other health professionals raised concerns about reduced access to surgical abortion. Photo: Virginia Star
Doctors and other health professionals raised concerns about reduced access to surgical abortion. Photo: Virginia Star
Women's health researcher Louise Keogh is urging the Victorian government to make abortion services mandatory at some hospitals.
Women's health researcher Louise Keogh is urging the Victorian government to make abortion services mandatory at some hospitals.
Royal Women's Hospital chief executive Sue Matthews said her staff were not able to meet demand for abortions. Photo: John Woudstra
Royal Women's Hospital chief executive Sue Matthews said her staff were not able to meet demand for abortions. Photo: John Woudstra

Seven years after Victoria decriminalised abortion, there are fears publicly funded services have deteriorated across the state, causing women to travel long distances for private care that can cost hundreds of dollars. There are also concerns about a shortage of doctors willing to carry out the procedure.

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