The NSW secretary for health has apologised to women refused abortion care and has told hospital operators with a conscientious objection to keep their opinions to themselves.
The NSW Health secretary has apologised to women who have been refused abortion services in the state’s regional hospitals, saying conscientious objection in hospital management must not affect services provision.
Speaking at a NSW Budget Estimates hearing today, Susan Pearce said the department was committed to providing reproductive care for women, in response to queries over the recent abortion bans at regional hospitals.
“We’ve recently written to all chief executives to remind them of their obligations and to remind them that if they, for whatever reason, need to make some alteration to service provision in that area, or any other, that they require my approval to do so,” she said.
“The Health Services Act points to that direction for local health districts. They don’t have the ability to abruptly withdraw services without the approval of the health secretary.”
Ms Pearce apologised to women unable to find suitable care.
“I’d like to apologise on behalf of NSW Health to any woman who feels that she was not able to receive the care that she needed when she needed it, whether it’s with us or elsewhere,” she said.
“We take very seriously our responsibility in this area. I cannot state that clearly enough to you.
“I’ve had a look at Section 9 of the Act, it’s quite clear that it refers to conscientious objectors, ensuring that if they wish to object, that they then notify the woman of that and also notify and give them options for where they can seek assistance and help,” said Ms Pearce.
“I think there are two different things [at play] here.
“One, it is not a matter for hospital managers to make decisions as a conscientious objector with regard to the provisions of abortion care in the health service. I will be very clear about that.
“There is no manager in NSW that has the ability to make that decision.
“With respect to clinicians, certainly, that is clearly an issue.
“We respect the fact that people will have different views on this topic.
“I think we need to do more … to ensure that if a clinician wishes to object or does object, that they are aware that it is also incumbent on them to assist that woman to find care where they need it.
“We’ll definitely, as part of the other work we’re doing around abortion care, take that on and [that] access to those services is made clearer to women and including how they contend with conscientious objection.”
She said there was work underway to improve access.
“In addition to that, we have recently completed a mapping exercise of the services offered across NSW Health, noting that in regard to abortion care for women, this is not something that solely rests with NSW Health.”
The department is also looking at providing better information on access by district.
“It’s important that we’re able to give women the opportunity and the ability to find their way through what can be a very complex part of the health system, and we’re committed to doing that,” she said.
“We know, for example, that the Hunter New England Local Health District has a very good way … and we need to make sure that all women across the state have got access to the care that they need.”