Expanded access to termination of pregnancy services in Queensland

• Suitably qualified nurses and midwives can now perform medical termination of pregnancy using the drug, MS2-Step in the early stages of pregnancy.
• The landmark law reforms have taken effect this week and will benefit women, particularly those in rural and remote areas.
• The Termination of Pregnancy Action Plan 2032 is an initiative under the Miles Labor Government’s $1 billion Women and Girls’ Health Strategy 2032.

Queensland women and pregnant people now have greater access to termination of pregnancy services, following landmark amendments to the Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018 passed by parliament in March this year.

The new laws have come into effect to allow registered nurses and midwives who have undertaken the necessary qualification and training to be able to administer termination of pregnancy medication such as MS-2 Step.

Previously, the drug was exclusively prescribed by doctors, limiting access to these services for women and pregnant people, particularly in rural and remote areas.

The health and safety of Queensland women are at the centre of these changes.

To further improve access to abortion services, the Miles Government is recruiting up to 22 full-time equivalent (FTE) additional clinicians to increase service availability statewide.            

This initiative is part of the $1 billion Women and Girls’ Health Strategy 2032.

Research that shaped the Strategy indicated that many Queensland women and pregnant people face challenges in accessing termination of pregnancy services in a timely manner.

This expanded access is a crucial step towards ensuring equitable healthcare for all Queenslanders.

Under the legislative changes, nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives will be able to prescribe and administer a termination of pregnancy medication, such as MS-2 Step.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“Every Queenslander, regardless of where they live, deserves equitable access to this vital care.

“Access to timely termination services is a basic human right and a significant health issue.

“And we know that people in rural and remote regions of our vast state face significant barriers to accessing these vital services.

“The real benefit of this will be Queensland women accessing early termination services.

“When Queenslanders have safe, timely and affordable access to termination services in their communities, they are less likely to need to have late term abortions.

“We have listened to the needs of Queenslanders and taken decisive action.

“It’s why the Miles Government has taken this major step forward for women’s health by passing these laws that prioritise reproductive healthcare.

“Our health heroes do an incredible job, providing compassionate care to their communities every day.

“These new laws support them to be able to continue to deliver the healthcare Queenslanders deserve in regions across the state.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union Secretary Sarah Beaman:

“Queensland women have the right to autonomy, choice of provider and recognition of their reproductive rights.

“These federal and Queensland state government law amendments mean suitably trained nurses and midwives could help women everywhere access their right to abortion.

“These rights have been hard-won by women, and they must not be undone.

“Today marks the start of eligible Queensland nurses and midwives being enabled to help women access their right to safe, affordable medical abortion.

“The QNMU commends Minister Fentiman and Miles’ Labor Government for respecting the rights of Queensland women, and the skillset of eligible nurses and midwives.”

Background information: 

Termination of pregnancy is a safe procedure which has been legal in Queensland since 2018.

If you are up to 22 weeks pregnant you may request a termination for any reason.

There are two types of termination of pregnancy: medical and surgical. Depending on how many weeks pregnant (gestation) you are, you may be able to have a medical termination at home or as an admitted patient in hospital. 

MS-2 Step is a medication approved for use in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to end an early intrauterine pregnancy - up to nine weeks (63 days) gestation.

More information about termination of pregnancy services is available here.

ENDS

Media contact: HealthMedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au