In the lead up to the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee’s recommendation that RU486 and Misoprostol be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (the PBS), the Australian Greens are calling on federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek to move quickly to accept a positive recommendation and list both medical abortion pharmaceuticals. 

The Australian Greens are calling on both Labor and the Opposition to voice their support for women's right to choose and pledge to resist any attempts by DLP Senator John Madigan to wind back access to safe and confidential reproductive health services, including abortion services.

"Senator Madigan has his eye on securing the balance of power in the next government and is laying the ground work for pro-life deals which place women's rights in jeopardy," Australian Greens spokesperson for women Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

Adjournment speech - Senate - 25 Feburary 2013

Senator Lee RHIANNON (New South Wales) (22:09): International Women's Day is on 8 March and this year its theme is the Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum. To all women who work in parliament: Happy International Women's Day. There has been momentum around women's rights, but in Australia there are still considerable challenges. Whether it is reducing violence against women, expanding job opportunities, achieving pay equity or legalising abortion in all jurisdictions, it is clear that we still have much to do.

Community Affairs Committee

Estimates hearings 17 October 2012

• Senator RHIANNON
• Ms Halton
• Senator FIERRAVANTI-WELLS

 Full transcript available here

Greens Senator and spokesperson for women Lee Rhiannon has congratulated Marie Stopes International for achieving a breakthrough in availability for the 'abortion drug' RU486, following news that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today approved an application to import the drug into Australia.

"This decision will break down barriers women face to accessing RU486, especially women on low-incomes and those living in regional areas," said Senator Rhiannon.

This motion will be put to the house today.
AMENDMENT
NOTICE OF MOTION 829
SENATOR RHIANNON
16 AUGUST 2012

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (12:08): I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 829 standing in my name today relating to funding for family planning in low-income countries and Millennium Development Goals.
Leave granted.

Senator RHIANNON: I move the motion as amended:

That the Senate-
(a) notes that:

Lee discusses on ABC's AM program the opening of a pro-life counselling service near a Sydney abortion clinic.

As the program outlined, currently not-for-profit centres can describe themselves in any way they want.

Adjournment speech, Wednesday 29 February 2012