New laws pave the way for midwife-to-patient ratios and better access to abortion services

*NOTE: The LNP voted to remove the aspects of the Bill that give Queensland women better access to abortion care*

The Miles Labor Government is committed to ensuring the health and safety of Queensland women and girls, no matter where they live.

Today, 7th March 2024, we passed the momentous Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No.2) 2023, which will significantly improve patient safety for expectant mums and their babies in public hospitals and increase access to termination of pregnancy services.

Midwife-to-patient ratios

Queensland mums and bubs will be protected by a ratio of one midwife to every six patients, including babies.

A newborn baby will be counted as a separate patient when they are staying in the same hospital room as their birth parent.

This is something our incredible, hardworking midwives have been calling for years, and means our health heroes can deliver the safest, highest quality care possible.

It’s also building on our existing nurse-to-patient ratios, which have been proven to be very effective in delivering better health outcomes for patients.

MS 2-Step

We know that women, particularly in rural and remote communities, continue to face barriers accessing safe and timely termination of pregnancy services.

Currently, a person in the early stages of pregnancy can only obtain a prescription for the medical termination of pregnancy drug, MS-2 Step, from a doctor.

Laws passed today will allow nurse practitioners, endorsed midwives, and appropriately qualified nurses to perform medical terminations of pregnancy.

This will greatly expand access to medical terminations for women living in regional, rural or remote Queensland.

All public healthcare should be accessible, no matter where you live, and that’s why we’re taking this new measure.