Legislative Council Tuesday 10 July, 2018

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

On 3 July 2018, the Minister for Health and Human Services stated in a media release titled 'Department of Health report on surgical termination services' -

The Department will also provide increased funding to the non-government Prescribed Health Services, and Pregnancy Counselling and Support Tasmania, of $40 000 each per annum over three years.

Great care was taken in the Reproductive Health (Access of Terminations) Act 2013 to ensure women who wished to receive information regarding all pregnancy options had access to services that provide information regarding the full range of pregnancy options. 

If Pregnancy Counselling and Support Tasmania, as a recipient of taxpayer funding, advertises its services, will it be required to inform women it has a conscientious objection to termination of pregnancy and cannot provide advice on all pregnancy options?

If taking calls or responding to drop-in clients, will it be required to inform women that it has a conscientious objection to termination of pregnancy and cannot provide advice on all pregnancy options?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for Murchison for her question. Pregnancy Counselling and Support Tasmania has been a recipient of taxpayer funding for decades and there are no plans to change the terms of its funding agreement. PCST provides support to women and families who seek it regardless of their circumstances, including women who have had abortions.