New scanners bring medical abortion within reach for country Victoria
Labor will announce 20 portable ultrasound machines that cost $480,000. They will boost abortion access in regional Victoria.
The Victorian government will install portable ultrasound machines at 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs. The machines target women in regional areas who travel long distances for scans.
Medical abortion is available up to nine weeks of pregnancy. Medical abortion requires early confirmation through ultrasound.
The machines mean more women can access the drug-induced option within the nine-week window. Without these machines, women wait too long.
Then they need surgery instead. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said the investment protects women's rights to choose.
Labor is making reproductive rights a centerpiece of its election campaign. Labor is also warning about One Nation.
One Nation could use abortion as leverage if the Coalition falls short of a majority.
- 20
- Portable machines
- $480,000
- Total cost
- Up to 9 weeks
- Medical abortion window
- Nearly 60 percent of appointments
- Virtual clinic medical abortion rate
Why it mattersWomen in country areas will avoid longer waits and unnecessary surgery. The election battle over abortion rights will shape Victoria's next parliament.
AustraliaThis affects women seeking abortion across regional Victoria, and the election fight over reproductive rights is a major issue for Victorian voters heading to the polls.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 15 h ago
