Assistant health minister DOESN’T KNOW cost of abortion

A male assistant health minister was left lost for words after finding out that a legal abortion in Australia can cost women up to $700.

Nationals MP David Gillespie, who is also a doctor, was taken to task by Sky News presenter Samantha Maiden on Wednesday when she asked him about abortion drug RU486. 

‘Do you think women in Australia, particularly young women, low income women and women in regional areas should be paying between 500 and 700 dollars for a legal abortion?’ Maiden asked.  

The MP, who is a gastroenterologist, started by saying the ‘system is pretty well established’ and there isn’t likely to be any plans to change it – before admitting he didn’t know the costs involved.

‘I didn’t realise that was the situation but healthcare delivery in a safe controlled environment does generally mean that there is a cost,’ Mr Gillespie said.

‘The commonwealth does support the PBS RU486 is now on it – I think some of those costs must be the other facility and hospital costs associated with the induced miscarriage or abortion,’ he added.

‘There is no induced miscarriage with RU486 you know that – you are aware of that aren’t you?’, Maiden hit back.

The MP, who is also a doctor, started by saying the ‘system is pretty well established’ and there isn’t likely to be any plans to change it – before admitting he didn’t know the costs involved

The pair then began to talk over each other before Maiden sighed and the conversation ended.

The drug is an alternative to surgical abortion and can be used in the first 50 days of pregnancy. 

Unless complications occur there is no need for women to attend a hospital or clinic for treatment.

Maiden expressed her concern at the cost of the drug labeling it ‘extraordinary’.