Queensland residents draws attention to the House the issue of people being denied access to contraception in public and private hospitals in Queensland due to religious restrictions.

As it currently stands, Catholic Health Australia's Code of Ethics restricts health care workers in Catholic institutions from providing medications and services for the purpose of contraception, unless the patient's health is at risk. This affects thousands of Queenslanders, especially women in South Brisbane who live in the catchment areas for publicly funded reproductive healthcare in a Catholic health service. This also affects many regional Queenslanders who seek private reproductive healthcare at Catholic hospitals as there are limited private alternatives in these areas.

We, the petitioners, believe that Queenslanders should be able to make their own personal decisions regarding their sexuality and family planning and any attempt to restrict access to contraception on religious grounds is unacceptable. 

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to legislate to ensure that contraceptive services are available at all Queensland hospitals.