It has been while since my last update and while things may have been quiet from the outside, there has been a fair bit going on behind the scenes.

I have been fortunate enough to be approached by the wonderful team at the Women’s Abortion Action Campaign (WAAC) NSW. Together, we are in the process of planning an online forum to highlight the significant loss of Newcastle’s largest Abortion and Reproductive Care Clinic and discuss the many issues this will raise for not only Newcastle but the regions surrounding. A date will be announced soon so please check back for updates in the coming days.

I received a reply from the Ministry of Health on behalf of the Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard. While it was appreciated to have the closure of Marie Stopes acknowledged, the reply itself was generic, and unauthentic. NSW Health is investing 1.2 million into Family Planning NSW. This is great news, but their wording around a new service model leaves the obvious tone that this will be Telehealth for Abortion Services. This is not a viable nor discrete option for women. We do not need more funding pushed into Telehealth, women (and men) need stand alone private clinics with compassionate staff with patient centred care. I urge anyone who feels the same to write to their local Member and raise the concern that greater funding and medical provisions are needed now more than ever.

I want to extend thanks to everyone who has reached out and offered support. This is a crucial health matter that, while controversial to some, needs to be addressed.

** my attempt to upload the reply email failed so please see below copy and paste of response.

“Dear Larissa

Thank you for writing about the closure of the Marie Stopes clinic at Broadmeadow. The Minister for Health and Medical Research has asked the NSW Ministry of Health to respond.

I acknowledge the concerns raised and appreciate your advocacy on this matter.

Termination of pregnancy is available in some NSW public hospitals, but most procedures are undertaken through accredited private providers and non-government organisations providers across NSW.

Surgical and medical termination of pregnancy continues to be available in the Newcastle area.Telehealth appointments are also available for women anywhere in NSW who are considering pregnancy choices. Additional support is provided on the NSW Pregnancy Choices Helpline 1800 008 463 andwebsite which provides free and confidential information on pregnancy choices including accessing termination of pregnancy services.

NSW Health is also providing $1.2 million to Family Planning NSW to pilot a new service model to improve access to affordable termination of pregnancy and contraception services in regional and rural NSW. Clinical service delivery is expected to commence in the second half of 2021.

NSW Health continues to work with stakeholders to improve access to reproductive health information and services, particularly for women in rural and regional NSW.

Thank you again for writing.

Kind Regards,

Trish Bruce 

Executive Director | Health and Social Policy Branch
NSW Ministry of Health”