Opposition spokeswoman for Women Tanya Plibersek has committed to decriminalising abortion and pushing for surgical terminations to be free in public hospitals.
The Federal Government did not respond to a series of questions about the issue, but said access to terminations was the responsibility of state and territory governments.Dr Pieter Mourik, a retired obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Albury, said the legal complexities were only one aspect of the debate.
Dr Mourik believes the strict religious views of some doctors are a roadblock to better access in traditionally conservative country towns. He would like to see a public register that named all doctors, across New South Wales and the country, who are trained to prescribe the drug.