Access to legal abortion and contraception remains restricted at some of Victoria’s public hospitals due to religious policies. Despite abortion being legal in the state for more than 15 years, two Catholic-run public hospitals —Mercy for Women and Werribee Mercy— continue to deny such care except when a woman’s life is at risk.
A new report by Georgie Purcell (Animal Justice MP) and Rachel Payne (Legalise Cannabis MP) calls for these policies to end, arguing that publicly funded institutions must deliver universal access to essential health services regardless of faith-based doctrines.
The report identifies several barriers — including affordability, lack of providers in regional areas, and “corporate conscientious objection.” It cites a case of a woman who waited 48 hours in emergency after Werribee Mercy refused to remove tissue from an incomplete miscarriage.
Purcell said, “Medical advice or care should never be shaped by any imposed religious faith,” while Payne warned that conscientious objection leads to “delayed and denied care.”
While not seeking to abolish individual or private hospital conscientious objection, the MPs urge stronger oversight to ensure patients are referred elsewhere.
They also recommend making abortion services free and offering surgical abortions in all public maternity hospitals.
Dr Nisha Khot, vice president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said abortion access had improved but gaps remain, especially in Catholic-run hospitals. “Abortion and contraception are part of healthcare,” she said.
Women’s Health Victoria CEO Sally Hasler added that public healthcare funding should reflect the needs of the entire population — including access to abortion, contraception, and pregnancy care.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas affirmed that “abortion care is health care,” while Mercy Health and St Vincent’s Melbourne said patients are referred for services they do not provide.
