Today I had an employee from the corporate Offices of Marie Stopes reach out to me in relation to this petition.

During our discussion it was mentioned that since the decriminalisation of Abortion in October 2019, there have been no attempts from the Health Minister or Department of Health to begin discussions around support or funding requirements. That’s almost 2 years since the changes in legislation yet the government have done nothing to follow through.

The team at Marie Stopes have worked tirelessly to make contact with relevant government departments, in particular the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, receiving a minimal response and no interest in providing genuine support.

The government have decriminalised Abortion, however have no desire to invest in Abortion Care Services thus confirming their stance on Women’s reproductive health.

Safe access to family planning, abortion and reproductive services is a basic human right. To have another crucial resource taken away is an immense step backwards for modern day healthcare.

We need our government to acknowledge the loss that this clinic would be to Newcastle and the regional areas that surround. It is not good enough for women to be left with little to no support for essential medical services while our Health Minister stays silent.

Investment in Abortion Care services is necessary, and it’s time the Health Minister acknowledged that.