Ensure All Australian Women Can Afford Medical Abortion
RU486, the technical name for the abortion pill, has been on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines for years. Yet, in Australia, the drug is so expensive that it is inaccessible to millions of citizens.
That could all change soon. In April, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended adding it to the PBS, which would lower the cost to as little as $12.
Medical abortion offers many benefits. Maternal death risk is very low and, by avoiding a surgical procedure, there is no need for anaesthesia and chance of infection is extremely small. Most importantly, its very effective, and women who have used it claim the process is less stressful overall.
Health Minister Tanya Plibersek supports the committee's recommendation. But given opposition leader Tony Abbott's previous moves to block its inclusion, this critical drug could become a political football.
We can't let that happen. Urge the government to vote to add RU486 to the PBS.
Dear [Decision Maker],
I was heartened to hear that RU486 had cleared an important hurdle toward inclusion in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. I urge you to support this measure to ensure that all Australian women have affordable access to medical abortion.
Medical abortion has many advantages including low maternal death risk, and no need for anesthesia and low chance of infection as it doesn't entail surgery. Furthermore, women can take the medicine at home, and women who have used the drug say it is less stressful.
The World Health Organization has included RU486 on its list of essential medicines for years. But today in Australia, its high cost makes the treatment prohibitive to many women. Please support extending this vital medicine to all Australian women who want or need it.
