Ms FORREST (Murchison) - I rise to raise a concern related to a highly gendered matter related to reproductive care that is resulting in a huge inequality.

I am referring to the appalling gender disparity in contraceptive procedures, specifically focusing on the intrauterine device (IUD) and vasectomy. I wish to draw members' attention to the unfairness in the rebate discrepancy and the gender bias related to women bearing the financial burden and potential side effects of contraception.

I am sure most, if not all, members know what an intrauterine device is and how it works; but to reiterate, the IUD is a female contraceptive procedure that involves the insertion of a small device into the uterus, to prevent pregnancy.

The IUD provides 99 per cent efficacy against pregnancy for five years, requiring replacement at the end of this time. Despite its effectiveness and convenience, the current system perpetuates an unfair burden on women. I will outline key points in three areas that emphasise this inequality: the time required, the staff involved, and the Medicare rebate.

For an IUD insertion, the minimum time required for the procedure is 30 minutes with an additional recovery period, which can be several days. Most GPs allocate 45 minutes for the entire process. There is often pain associated with this procedure, with varying options for pain relief. Many providers only offer mild analgesics. In terms of the staff involved, the IUD procedure typically involves a GP or a specialist gynaecologist, along with a procedural assistant or nurse.

Shockingly, the Medicare rebate for an IUD procedure is only $72.05. It is essential to note that the sterilising of equipment alone costs $40. It does not leave much left over. The disparity places a disproportionate impact on women seeking reliable contraception.

Now, let us consider vasectomy. To remind everyone who may not have a full understanding, a vasectomy is a male contraceptive procedure that involves the surgical cutting or blocking of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from exiting the penis. Unfortunately, the current rebate system further exacerbates the gender bias. Again, I will talk to the three points.

In terms of the time required, a vasectomy procedure typically takes approximately 15 minutes - as opposed to at least 30-45 minutes for the insertion of an IUD - with some providers providing a 'no-snip' technique, with local anaesthetic being injected as part of the procedure. Secondly, vasectomy procedures are typically performed by a GP or specialist urologist along with a procedural assistant or nurse; so, not much difference there.

Additional training is required for health professionals to perform vasectomy procedures effectively. I must have missed out that point in regard to IUDs; there is additional training required for the insertion of IUDs as well.

Now, to the Medicare rebate. Astonishingly, the Medicare rebate for a vasectomy is significantly higher, at $200. This is a much quicker procedure; it is a permanent procedure. The rebate is $200, as opposed to $72. The substantial difference in rebate only reinforces the gender disparity in contraceptive devices unfairly placing a smaller financial burden on men.

I believe it is vital to shed light on these disparities and gender biases associated with contraceptive procedures. We must raise awareness and initiate discussions to rectify this imbalance, and advocate for equitable access to contraception for all genders. I will speak about other factors in reproductive health where there are also massive disparities.

It is essential to emphasise the important of shared responsibility and fairness in family planning, ensuring that no gender bears the brunt of contraceptive costs and the potential side effects more than the other.

I will use this forum and other forums to raise this major gender inequality issue. As I have said, there are other reproductive health-related anomalies that I will speak about at a later time; but I wanted to raise this glaring inequality in the first instance. I seek a commitment from the Government - and I was speaking to the Minister for Women earlier - to loudly advocate. I know the minister is willing to take this to the ministerial council when she goes in the very near future. It is not only here; this disparity is nationwide too and she will advocate with the federal Health minister to address this.

It is appalling that there is such a disparity in the Medicare rebate for these two procedures - one that is permanent, and one that has to be repeated every five years or other contraceptive measures used.

I urge this in matters of gender equality in healthcare, particularly reproductive health.

Mrs Hiscutt - As we all -

Mr PRESIDENT - You cannot interrupt on adjournment. It has to be without interruption and urgent.

Ms FORREST - To reiterate, Mr President, the IUD takes 30 minutes; but most GPs allow 45 minutes for the procedure and the immediate recovery. A vasectomy takes 15 minutes, with the 'no-snip' technique. Staff involved - a GP or specialist gynaecologist plus an assistant or procedural nurse for IUDs; for vasectomy, it is a GP or specialist urologist and a procedural assistant or nurse.

The training required - additional training is required for both. The Medicare rebate is $72.05 in total for IUD - that does not account for the necessary cost of sterilising the equipment - and $200 for the vasectomy.

Mr President, Family Planning Tasmania provides and supports these services and provides a much-needed service to Tasmanians. They need to be adequately remunerated to support equity of access and timely reproductive health care. They provide access to both these procedures. One is completely economical for them to provide. The other is not.

Family Planning Tasmania is dedicated to promoting reproductive health, advocating for gender equality and supporting individuals in making choices that align with their needs and values. As I said, I hope the Government will advocate strongly and actively to promote gender equality in this area of health care, and also seek to remove other gendered barriers and inequities in our health care, particularly reproductive health care.