Stigma towards Marie Stopes’ doctors key reason for clinic closures

Finding regional clinicians to join the team got so hard the organisation was flying in doctors, but that's not sustainable, says managing director Jamal Hakim.
Jamal Hakim
Jamal Hakim.

Stigma faced by doctors providing abortion services in country areas is a “major challenge” and one of the key reasons the last four regional Marie Stopes clinics are to be closed, according to its managing director.

This week Marie Stopes announced services in Rockhampton, Townsville and Southport in Queensland, and in Newcastle in NSW will close by August.