Having co-sponsored Bills which decriminalised abortion and introduced voluntary assisted dying in NSW, my views on the role of religion in our State’s healthcare system are no secret – religion should NOT shape access to healthcare. This is especially true in regional areas like ours, where access is already limited.

Newcastle Private is the only hospital that offers private maternity care in our region, right up to the Queensland border. The proposed limitations on lawful, reproductive healthcare would take away choice and place even more pressure on our already stressed public system. It’s also unclear whether single, unmarried, LGBTQIA+ or surrogate parents would be able to give birth at Newcastle Private if the Calvary takeover is approved.