The Role of Practice Nurses in Enhancing Contraception and Abortion Access in Australia

Recent research conducted by Monash University's SPHERE Center of Research Excellence highlights a substantial missed opportunity to improve women’s access to highly effective contraception and abortion services across Australia. Practice nurses, who are integral members of primary healthcare, are currently underutilized in providing advice, treatment, and support for long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) and medical abortion.

Two pivotal studies published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing reveal that although about 90% of practice nurses believe their role could significantly aid patients in making informed contraceptive choices and support medical abortion, structural barriers such as funding, education, and service normalization hinder their active involvement. The surveys, involving around 500 practice nurses mostly working in urban settings, show that while many are willing, few are currently engaged in IUD or implant insertions and removals or in abortion care.

Dr. Sharon James, the lead author and SPHERE Research Fellow, states that Australia's current practice framework does not sufficiently support nurses in delivering these services. She emphasizes that expanding practice nurses' roles through better policy, funding, and training could greatly increase women's access to effective contraception and abortion care.

Despite their willingness, confidence and knowledge gaps, alongside societal stigma surrounding abortion, limit nurses’ involvement. Most nurses are open to playing a more active role, but normalized, routine integration of abortion care into nursing practice is essential.

In rural and regional areas, where nearly one-third of unintended pregnancies result in abortion, improving nurse training and scope of practice could help close the access gap. Australia's recent initiatives, including a federal investment of $25 million to develop training centers for health professionals—including those in remote regions—aim to support this expansion. Deregulation of medical abortion by the Therapeutic Goods Administration has also facilitated prescribing rights for nurse practitioners and midwives.

Enhancing the role of practice nurses aligns with national health priorities, aiming to empower women with more contraceptive options and reduce unintended pregnancies, especially in underserved areas. Strengthening nurse education and policy support can foster a healthcare environment where universal access to reproductive health services is a reality.

For more insights, see the full studies in the Journal of Advanced Nursing. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-general-nurses-key-contraception-abortion.html