Gender Equity Victoria (GEN VIC) celebrates the Australia Labor Party’s (ALP) announcement this week
that if elected, they will develop and implement a national strategy for sexual and reproductive health.
As the Victorian peak body for gender equity, women’s health and the prevention of violence against
women, GEN VIC welcomes a national approach to sexual and reproductive health and the alignment
of the national commitment to the Victorian Government’s State Strategy.
Reflecting on the announcement the GEN VIC Chair, Kit McMahon, said “our members consistently tell
us that the key issues confronting women trying to access sexual and reproductive services is the
inconsistent access to quality and effective health care. We all need access to sexual and reproductive
health, regardless of where we are from and who we are”.
“The ALP pledge ensures that this significant part of health and wellbeing is now front and centre of
the next Federal Election. In particular, GEN VIC welcome the commitment to support a review on the
Medicare rebate of medical terminations, the proposal to require public hospitals to provide abortion
services and the boost to long-term contraceptives,” said McMahon.
“This is about addressing some of the key issues confronting women across Australia from all walks of
life – choice, access and affordability of reproductive and sexual health care. GEN VIC and its members
look forward to working with any government that puts women’s health and wellbeing front and centre.
Collectively we can work together to leverage positive outcomes across our health systems– in both
response and primary prevention”.
“Our first priority has to be to identify and change systems and structures that place women at risk of
disadvantage and poor health. All women deserve to be equal, healthy and safe and the release of the
ALP commitment is a key investment in a more equitable future,” McMahon concluded.