Improving access to women's sexual and reproductive health care
Overview
Why this is important
The Victorian Health Services Act 1988 says that all Victorians should have equitable access to essential health services. In 2022, the government released the Victorian Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022–30. The plan aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health of Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people.
Women's specialist health services cater to the specific needs of women, girls and gender diverse people. The availability of these health services impacts over half of Victoria's population.
The Victorian Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan 2022–30 reports that some people face more barriers than others when trying to access services and support, and that these barriers can worsen their sexual and reproductive health outcomes. This includes women, girls and gender diverse people.
Medical gender bias can also impact the way institutions provide health care. Women in all parts of the world experience this bias, particularly in relation to recognition and treatment of chronic pain.
What we plan to examine
We plan to examine if Victorians have equitable access to women's specialist health services.
Who we plan to examine
Department of Health
A selection of health services or women’s health hubs
Further information
We looked at women's access to sexual and reproductive health information and services in our report Supporting Sexual and Reproductive Health (2023).