Reproductive health and safety always ahead of convenience, says AMA
The AMA has told a Senate committee that reproductive health services should be readily accessible throughout Australia.
Reproductive health and safety must be prioritised across the health system, the AMA has told a Senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare.
AMA Vice President, Dr Danielle McMullen, told a hearing of the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs this week that the AMA advocates for safe, accessible and affordable reproductive health services throughout Australia, especially rural and remote areas.
“Importantly, provision of and access to services should be timely, culturally safe, equitable, and affordable,” she said.
“Equity of access for all people seeking services is critical. We can and should improve access to reproductive healthcare in Australia.
“However, we must be careful not to confuse convenience with access because the most convenient option is not always the safest option.”
Dr McMullen told the committee that the AMA does not support oral contraceptives being prescribed in community pharmacies, a position also taken by the independent regulator of medicines in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The AMA submission to the committee focuses on contraception, abortion, collaborative models of reproductive healthcare, health literacy and equity of access to reproductive health services.
