NSW Abortion Requirements

The Chief Executive of a Local Health District has told a parliamentary committee that providing ‘termination services’ may be a condition of employment in the NSW health system.

Ms Jill Ludford, answering questions from NSW Shadow Assistant Attorney-General Susan Carter MLC, said government health services had to balance conscientious objections by health practitioners with the rights of women and the rights of women to access services. 

Under direct questioning, Ms Ludford was evasive as to whether a new employee would be interrogated about their willingness to perform an abortion, or whether it would be a condition of employment.