Two GPs on Canberra’s northside and southside will offer free abortions for pregnancies up to nine weeks gestation.

Women who access these general practice services (listed online) will also be able to access pathology, imaging, and pharmacy services at no cost from participating providers, ensuring abortions can be provided entirely for free.

This is the next phase of the ACT Government’s $4.6 million investment over four years to remove the financial barrier to Canberrans in need of abortion services, Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry, Minister for Women, said.

“Nobody should ever have to choose between access to healthcare and putting food on the table,” Ms Berry said.

The ACT Government partnered with think-tank Women’s Health Matters to provide no-cost medical abortions at the two practices. More providers could also offer free abortions, the government expects.

MSI Australia in Civic has offered no-cost medical and surgical (up to four months gestation) abortions for a year.

Both MSI Australia and participating GPs offer free long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) at the time of abortion.