Medicare reforms are essential for creating fairer national abortion system, say advocates

Health experts are calling for Medicare item numbers for abortions and pregnancy counselling ahead of women's safety ministers' meeting

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Medicare item numbers for abortions and pregnancy counselling along with specific funding for reproductive health are needed to create a fairer national abortion system, according to MSI Australia, formerly known as Marie Stopes.

State and federal women's safety ministers are meeting on Friday for the first time since the Albanese government was elected. A 10-year plan to end violence against women and children, gender equity issues and the need for a specific plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are expected to be discussed.