Victorian public hospitals could not prevent doctors from providing abortions under new bill

Public hospitals in Victoria would not be allowed to stop doctors from providing abortions under a bill being introduced to state parliament this week by the crossbench MP Fiona Patten.

The legislation follows the overturning of the landmark Roe v Wade decision in the US in June, and comes with just four more sitting weeks before Victorians head to the polls in November.

The bill will seek to strengthen the rights of Victorians to access abortions and contraceptive services by making sure they were available at every hospital that accepts government money, including denominational hospitals.

The bill would not change the right of individual medical professionals to refuse to perform abortions on religious grounds.

Under the current laws, pregnant people can access abortions up to 24 weeks in Victoria. Beyond 24 weeks, a medical practitioner can provide an abortion if another medical practitioner agrees that it is appropriate.

A doctor with a conscientious objection to abortion is required to refer any pregnant person inquiring about termination information or services to another doctor who does not object.

Hospitals that receive public money, including those with religious affiliations, are not required to offer abortion services.

The majority of abortions in Victoria are performed in dedicated private clinics and private hospitals, which can present a barrier to access for some.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, last month refused to discuss reforms to ensure abortion was available in public hospitals across the country in the wake of the US decision, instead insisting it was a matter for states.

The Victorian parliament returns on Tuesday after a six-week winter break.

Patten will do her second reading of the bill on Wednesday before it is debated in a fortnight.