Labor promises free abortion services and expanded medical options if re-elected in Victoria

Labor’s election plan for Victoria includes fully funding abortion procedures, aiming to eliminate the hundreds of dollars women currently spend on tests, scans and medication, especially in rural communities. Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said more than two-thirds of women pay privately, and the policy would save each woman at least $700 while costing $30 million over four years. The party will also extend the medical-abortion limit to 10 weeks and ask Safer Care Victoria to study a further extension to 12 weeks.

Private clinics will be reimbursed for abortions under 16 weeks, and the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme will help cover travel for women in remote areas. New portable ultrasound units are being rolled out to 20 health hubs to improve early-pregnancy detection, and additional nurses will be trained for regional services. Opposition leader Jess Wilson has pledged no changes to current abortion laws.