An inquiry into abortion and reproductive choice in the Territory is being conducted by the ACT Legislative Assembly following the recent rollback of reproductive rights in the United States.
Announcing the inquiry, Chair of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Health & Community Wellbeing, Johnathan Davis said the Committee would examine accessibility and affordability of abortion services, and the protection of abortion rights in the ACT.
“In response to what our community is seeing unfold overseas, now is the right time to reflect on the accessibility, affordability and legal protections for abortion and reproductive health services for people here in the ACT,” Mr Davis said.
He said the Committee was inviting written submissions addressing any or all of the Terms of Reference until 15 August.
According to the Terms of Reference, the Committee is to examine legal protections for abortion rights in the ACT, including comparison with other Australian jurisdictions; interactions with non-ACT legislative instruments; potential implications for IVF providers; and the effectiveness of exclusion zones around abortion facilities.
The Committee’s accessibility inquiries are to consider access barriers for non-English speakers, victims of domestic and family violence, people with a disability, young people and minors, and other vulnerable demographics.
The Terms of Reference state that affordability of abortion and reproductive choice inquiries are to examine access to bulk billing general practitioners, indirect costs and options for low-income patients.
The Committee is also to report on access to information to support a variety of possible reproductive choices, including choosing to give birth.
The Inquiry’s one-page Terms of Reference can be accessed at this PS News link and information on making a submission can be accessed at this link.
