The closure of abortion clinics operated by Marie Stopes in central and north Queensland has left a serious health service gap which has yet to be filled, Queensland Minister for Health Yvette D’Ath admits. 

Last year, the charity closed its regional clinics because they were no longer financially viable, blaming in part the stigma faced by doctors providing abortion services in country areas. 

As a result, expanding access to services is now a priority for the state government, with most residents in regional areas having to travel to Brisbane for surgical terminations. 

Being away from home for the amount of time needed to travel to the city can bring an added layer of complexity to what is often already a stressful situation, Ms D’Ath told a budget estimates hearing on Friday.