The ACT has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to fund free abortions for all Canberra women.

From today, MSI Australia’s Canberra clinic will provide free medical abortions up to nine weeks gestation and surgical abortions up to 16 weeks, and free long-acting reversible contraception (intrauterine devices and implants) to all ACT women, including those without a Medicare card.

The ACT Government will finance free abortions to the tune of more than $4.6 million over four years.

“Abortion care is basic healthcare,” Melissa Ryan, MSI Canberra clinic nurse unit manager, said.

“We regularly see people who are struggling to pay for the cost of abortion care, and this will make such a huge difference to the lives of countless people.

“It means women and pregnant people in the ACT can make an informed decision without having to worry about the financial burden it will have.”

The ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26 committed to making abortions free.

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that women and people who can become pregnant can be in control of and make informed decisions about their health care based on what is best for them and their circumstances,” Yvette Berry, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women, said.

“This is about providing women and people who need an abortion with access to the right supports and services without stigmatisation or financial burden,” health minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said.

“Abortion is a health service, and not being able to access appropriate care in a timely way can have a detrimental impact on a person’s mental and physical health as well as socioeconomic consequences.

Sexual Health & Family Planning and the Women’s Centre for Health Matters welcomed the scheme.

GPs and telehealth services also offer medical abortions up to nine weeks gestation.

The ACT Government is negotiating with general practices and community services to expand the free scheme.