Premier Steven Miles announced a significant funding boost for termination of pregnancy services. The Australian state of Queensland passed a law allowing nurses and midwives to prescribe the abortion drug MS-2 Step. Traditionally, a doctor’s approval was required to obtain a prescription for the drug in Australia. The drug can terminate a pregnancy up to 63 days from gestation.
Under the new law, more health workers in Queensland can provide the M2-Step drug to pregnant women. This change aims to enhance access to medical termination of pregnancy for those in early pregnancy stages. The Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2023 also replaced the word “woman” with “person” and “herself” with “themself.”
The Labor and Greens led this legislation in Queensland parliament, while Liberal National MPs opposed the removal of the word “woman.” Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman expressed pride in making reforms for Queensland women and girls. However, concerns were raised by the Opposition about complications and safety risks, particularly for women in rural and regional areas.
The law also aimed to improve the midwife-to-patient ratio by counting newborns as separate patients. Premier Steven Miles highlighted the abortion laws and funding boost on social media platforms. He emphasized the importance of providing support and access to services for women during the decision-making process of terminating a pregnancy.