TGA changes to abortion pill regulation to improve rural access

The TGA's decision allows any appropriately qualified healthcare practitioner to prescribe and any pharmacy to stock and dispense MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol) from August 1.

MS-2 Step is used for medical termination of a pregnancy up to nine weeks of gestation.

Medical practitioners and pharmacists have previously had to register and be certified to prescribe and dispense the medication.

This meant access to the medication was provided by only one in 10 medical practitioners and three in 10 pharmacists.

Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney said the change recognised the importance of the health practitioners women see regularly such as their GP, nurse practitioner and community pharmacist.

"We know that women experience structural barriers trying to access the health care that they need, particularly in regional and rural areas," she said.

"That's why it's so important that all health practitioners can perform the care that they are already trained to provide."

IN OTHER NEWS:

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has also commended the changes as improving access to medical abortion, particularly for women in rural and remote communities.

RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins said it was a "huge step forward".

"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," she said.

"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."

The TGA's decision was in response to an application from MS Health and was informed by expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Medicines.