Victoria to make abortion free after Coalition matches Labor election pledge

Victoria is set to become the first state in Australia to make access to abortion care free, after the Liberal National Coalition matched a state election promise made by the Labor government. According to the Guardian and ABC News Australia, Labor Premier Ben Carroll announced the plan to cover out of pocket costs for abortion care if his party is re-elected next month. [1][2]

The Guardian reported that opposition leader Jess Wilson said the Coalition would match the proposal to ensure out of pocket costs are fully covered regardless of the election outcome. Wilson stated on Thursday afternoon that the Liberals and Nationals will not allow Labor to play politics on this issue. [1]

Abortion is currently legal in Victoria up to 24 weeks, as reported by ABC News Australia. Experts and community organisations welcomed the announcement, which aims to provide better care for women in regional and rural communities. Abortion debate has emerged as an issue for voters in the upcoming November state election. [1][2]

Victoria is located in southeastern Australia and is the second most populous state in the country, with a population of over seven million people. [4]