In a major step towards improving reproductive health access, the federal government has expanded its $792.9 million women’s health package to include free training for health practitioners in the placement and removal of IUDs and birth control implants. 

This national training initiative aims to improve the numbers of qualified health professionals able to provide birth control implant services, particularly in regional, rural, and remote communities. 

“Health practitioners will have access to hands-on training and clinical placements at 21 sites across the country, with mobile outreach clinics helping reach some rural and remote communities”, Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White said. 

With more qualified staff, the government is hoping to deliver lower cost, better access, and ultimately more choices for women to access long-term contraceptives – regardless of where they live.  

“This is all part of our government’s work to improve access to contraception and support better reproductive health outcomes for women and communities across Australia,” White continued. 

According to a media release by White, an estimated 70% of women in Australia of reproductive age use some form of birth control, yet approximately one third experience an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their lives. The release cites low uptake of Long Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC), which is widely regarded as one of the most effective forms of contraception. 

The government is encouraging general practitioners, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and midwives to participate in the accredited training. To assist those in rural, regional, or remote areas, scholarships are being made available to cover the costs of travel and accommodation to complete training.  

Delivery of the national training project will be a joint cooperative effort between Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). 

Daile Kelleher, CEO of Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia, said that “the focus on regional and remote practitioners will help expand the workforce and ultimately allow people across Australia to have greater choice in contraception.”  

“This is a strong commitment to choice and access, and we welcome this investment. [W]e look forward to delivering this project across Australia with our sexual and reproductive health organisations in each state and territory,” Kelleher said. 

Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, said that increasing the rebate for LARCs has been a key government initiative.  

“The boost in Medicare rebates for Intrauterine Device insertion and birth control implants is expected to save around 300,000 Australian women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs,” said Wright. 

Health practitioners who are interested in participating in the free training program are encouraged to apply here: https://familyplanningallianceaustralia.org.au/learn/auslarc/