The medical abortion pill will become easier to access under new rules that will allow more doctors and all nurse practitioners to prescribe it, and any pharmacist to stock it.
The MS-2 Step medication was previously only able to be prescribed by a doctor with specialist certification and dispensed by registered pharmacist.
The decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to scrap restrictions on the abortion pill is a significant move that should make accessing pregnancy termination much easier for those who need it.
Dr Nicole Higgins, President of the The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the changes by the TGA.
“This is a huge step forward to improve access, particularly for those living in rural and remote communities,” she said.
“As a GP in a regional centre, I know all too well that there are significant barriers to reproductive care in rural and remote areas. These services are vital, and they must be affordable and accessible for everyone who needs them.
“The TGA’s changes will enable greater access to medical abortion for women throughout Australia and will reduce unnecessary red tape for the GPs who provide these essential services.”
From August this year, MS-2 Step will be able to be prescribed by any healthcare practitioner with appropriate qualifications and training, according to the changes by the TGA. Restrictions on dispensing the medication have also been lifted, meaning any pharmacist can stock it.
“The TGA’s decision will assist in addressing important access issues for patients who require this medication,” the TGA said in a statement.
The changes were informed by expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines, an independent committee with expertise in scientific, medical and clinical fields and including consumer representation.
Dr Higgins said the changes will mean GPs are better placed to offer support to those seeking an abortion.
“GPs are often the first port of call for people seeking support for unplanned pregnancy, because they know and trust their GP, and more so in rural communities where the local GP is often the only health service available,” she said.
“It is extremely important. Access to safe medical or surgical abortion services for women is part of a holistic approach to reproductive health. This is essential, regardless of a woman’s income or where she lives.”