The Labor party said it would deliver Australia's first ever National Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy it it were to win government.

Under the plan, there would be a review into the Medicare rebate for long-acting reversible contraceptives as well as the rebate associated with medical abortions.

Labor would also change Commonwealth-State hospital funding agreements so that pregnancy termination services would be provided consistently at public hospitals across the country. 

Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek said Labor would also progress the decriminalisation of abortion across Australia under the scheme.

Abortion is still a crime in New South Wales, while women can also be charged for “unlawful” abortions in South Australia.

Read more: 'Just not good enough': Bendigo woman says improvements needed for abortion access in central Victoria

Women’s Health Loddon Mallee chief executive officer Tricia Currie said a national strategy for reproductive health was vital.

“A national strategy is a really important step to improve access to safe reproductive choices,” she said.

"Without a national strategy, we won’t be able to see the gaps in our systems and understand how to design and support the system’s improvement for better outcomes for women’s health."

Ms Currie said Labor’s proposal to review the Medicare rebate associated with medical terminations was “really important”, as Medicare was key to universal access for health care.

“A national plan that starts to address issues such as the barrier of cost is really welcome,” she said.

Almost half of all pregnancies in Australia are estimated to be unplanned, but Ms Currie said unplanned did not necessarily mean unwanted.

“But it does mean there must be good supports and improved access for women to make choices,” she said.

Ms Currie said there was also a need for Loddon Mallee women to have access to doctors who could provide skilled and informed advice, and all forms of contraception and fertility management.

She said it was important sexual and reproductive services for women were decentralised and made available in the region.

“Exercising reproductive rights is key to women’s reproductive and sexual health,” Ms Currie said.

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