The Liberals have once again let their ideology rule policy, confirming surgical terminations will remain severely restricted in the public hospital system and women will still be forced to travel interstate for procedures.
Health Minister, Michael Ferguson’s, ideological opposition and pro-life stance is an obstacle to reproductive choice for Tasmanian women, and the Premier is doing nothing to rein that in.
As things currently stand, Tasmanian women who need a surgical abortion are being forced to travel interstate. Michael Ferguson’s inaction means many women are being forced to make an already traumatic choice, with added, sometimes overwhelming, pressure.
Women to being forced to have procedure interstate, at large expense and without support networks around them. This is simply not good enough in the 21st Century, where the procedure is able to be conducted through the public health system.
From his comments in Parliament today, it is clear the Health Minister won’t act in the best interests of Tasmanian women. It is now up to Premier, Will Hodgman to intervene.
