Free cervical screening for all women aged 25-69 from March

<p>All women aged between 25 and 69 would be eligible to receive free cervical screening from March next year, the Government is promising.</p> <p>It comes after Labour <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/10/28/chris-hipkins-talks-capital-gains-tax-party-leaders-respond/" target="_blank">made the same pledge last year</a>, offering free cervical screening from October 2027, as part of their policy of three free GP visits each year.</p> <p>Health Minister Simeon Brown says it was first recommended in 2018, and he began working on an elimination plan when he became Minister of Health last year.</p> <p>"Cervical cancer is a cancer we can eliminate," he said.</p> <p>"We have the tools to be able to do that with its vaccination, screening and treatment and so today we're announcing a big next step in delivering that for New Zealanders."</p> <p>Free screening is currently available for Māori and Pacific women aged 25-69, community service card holders, women who have never been screened or are overdue.</p> <p>From March, cervical…