Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

My question is addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing. Does the minister recall that in answer to a question on notice from me dated 14 June, question No. 1681, he said:

The Medicare pregnancy support counselling items are specifically targeted towards women who have, or have had, an unintended pregnancy, or who are unsure about whether to continue with a pregnancy.

Following concerns that have been raised by the AMA and others about the privacy risk that this would pose to women who are considering a termination, regardless of their ultimate decision, the health minister, through a spokesperson, in August said that the item number would be available to ‘anyone who is anxious about their pregnancy’. Can the minister confirm whether the item number will apply to all pregnant women or only those with an unintended pregnancy or who are unsure about whether or not they want to continue with that pregnancy?