Calvary stops IVF, abortions and assisted dying at Newcastle hospitals
Calvary will cease IVF, abortions, voluntary assisted dying and gender reassignment surgeries if it acquires Newcastle's private hospitals.
Calvary is buying 14 hospitals nationwide after Healthscope collapsed, including two in Newcastle. The sale needs regulatory approval.
Calvary has confirmed it will stop offering IVF, abortions, assisted dying and gender reassignment surgeries. It operates under Catholic ethical codes that prohibit these services on religious grounds.
Hunter IVF uses Newcastle Private's operating theatres and is negotiating with other hospitals. The doctor's union and workers' groups warn the public system will face excess demand.
Health Minister Ryan Park said the state cannot stop private hospitals from withdrawing services. He is checking if Calvary is fit to hold a health licence.
- 14 nationwide
- Hospitals in Calvary takeover
- 2
- Newcastle hospitals affected
- Dr Peter Harrigan, 20 years
- Anaesthetist tenure at Newcastle Private
Why it mattersRemoving IVF access takes away a key fertility option in the Hunter region and shifts demand to already-strained public hospitals.
AustraliaWomen and couples in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley seeking IVF, abortion, and end-of-life care will lose private-sector options.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
