BROKEN Hill is one of the very few hospitals in the state that perform abortions not classed as a medical emergency, latest research reveals.
In December 2024 University of Sydney researchers, data visualisation specialist Ri Liu and editors from The Guardian worked together to map abortion access across NSW.
The research, presented in an interactive map and accompanying article, states that Broken Hill Hospital is one of only three public hospitals in the state routinely providing both type of abortions (surgical and medication) outside of medical emergencies.
This map also highlights the “abortion desert” (an area more than 160km from nearest abortion) surrounding Broken Hill.
Family Panning Australia also released new research in 2024 showcasing the accessibility of abortion care in Broken Hill.
The research paper, which uses Broken Hill as a case study, is titled Use of Medical Abortion Services in New South Wales, Australia between 2018-2022.
“Across Far West NSW LHD, half the LGAs in this district reported patient MS-2 Step (abortion medication) prescription rates consistently higher than both the national and NSW-wide rates between 2018 and 2022”, the paper stated.
A Far West Local Health District spokesperson said that the responsibility of providing access to abortion services belongs to the entire health care sector.
“It is a whole of sector responsibility shared by the public health system, private providers, primary care and accredited non-government organisations,” the spokesperson said.
“In most cases, abortion care can be provided in the community or non-admitted settings.
“Far West Local Health District provides medical termination of pregnancy care within the Women’s Health Service, and when care cannot be provided locally, women will be referred to other services to ensure they receive the safest care at the most appropriate facility.”
The spokesperson said more funding has been allocated to improve services for rural communities.
“NSW Health is providing $2 million to the SEARCH project, to improve access to affordable pregnancy termination specifically in rural and regional NSW.
“The initial 3-year commitment of $1.2 million has been extended with an additional $800,000 to be committed over 2024-25 and 2025-26.
“The Pregnancy Choices Helpline and website supported by NSW Health is available to assist NSW residents in making pregnancy choices.
“This includes guidance in finding abortion care service providers in NSW to meet a woman’s specific needs and access contraception and information for women who may be experiencing financial hardship.
“The Helpline (1800 008 463) provides free, unbiased and confidential information on pregnancy options.”
More information is available on the Pregnancy Choices Helpline website and Live Chat at www.pregnancychoices.org.au
