The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has expressed strong concern regarding a proposed abortion bill expected to be introduced to the South Australian Parliament in early June.
RACGP SA Deputy Chair Dr Clare Keogh said decisions about pregnancy must remain between a person and their healthcare team, not politicians.
“Abortion care is healthcare. These are deeply personal decisions that should be made by individuals in consultation with their GP and trusted health professionals,” she said.
“We are concerned about ongoing attempts to revisit and restrict reproductive healthcare through legislative change. This risks undermining evidence-based care and patient autonomy.”
The college emphasised that Australian GPs provide safe, high-quality, patient-centred reproductive healthcare, including pregnancy counselling and abortion care where appropriate.
“General practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients navigating complex and sensitive decisions about pregnancy,” Dr Keogh said.
“Our role is to provide non-judgemental, evidence-based advice and care. Legislative interference risks disrupting this therapeutic relationship.”
RACGP SA voiced concerns the proposed bill reflects broader concerns raised by clinicians and public health organisations about continued efforts to limit access to reproductive healthcare in South Australia and follows a concerning trend across the country.
Dr Keogh said maintaining access to safe abortion services is critical for community health outcomes.
“We know that restricting access to abortion does not stop people from seeking care, it only makes it harder and less safe,” she said.
“Healthcare policy must be guided by clinical evidence and patient wellbeing, not ideology. Late-term abortion is already governed by robust laws that protect the decision between a patient and two skilled doctors.”
RACGP SA stands alongside other organisations, including the SA Abortion Action Coalition and leading sexual and reproductive health providers, in advocating for the protection of reproductive rights and access to care.
RACGP SA urged Members of the Legislative Council to prioritise the health, safety and autonomy of South Australians.
“We call on all parliamentarians to respect the role of medical professionals and ensure that South Australians can continue to access safe, appropriate reproductive healthcare,” Dr Keogh said.
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