Victoria to become first state to make abortions free as Coalition matches Labor election promise
The Victorian Coalition has pledged to match the Labor government's promise to make abortion care free for up to 16 weeks of gestation. This bipartisan commitment ensures that out-of-pocket costs will be covered regardless of the outcome of the upcoming state election.
Why it matters
This move establishes Victoria as the first Australian state to provide universal free access to abortion, effectively removing the issue from the political campaign agenda.
Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson. The Coalition has confirmed it will match Labor’s commitment to cover out-of-pocket-costs for abortion care up to 16 weeks’ gestation. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP Victorian opposition leader Jess Wilson. The Coalition has confirmed it will match Labor’s commitment to cover out-of-pocket-costs for abortion care up to 16 weeks’ gestation. Photograph: Joel Carrett/AAP Victoria state election 2026 Victoria to become first state to make abortions free as Coalition matches Labor election promise Exclusive: Out-of-pocket costs for abortion care to be covered regardless of who wins November election as Jess Wilson says Liberals and Nationals ‘will not allow Labor to play politics on this issue’
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