Labour promises free maternity scans if elected

12 minutes ago

In addition to three free doctor visits a year, Labour is promising if elected, pregnant women will be eligible for free maternity scans.

The offer will be part of its proposed 'Medicard' scheme.

"Women and their families shouldn't have to worry about money when it comes to making sure they and their babies are okay," leader Chris Hipkins said in a statement on Tuesday.

"For many families, pregnancy comes with enough costs and stress already. A Labour government will ease that pressure by making the scans they need free."

Labour leader Chris Hipkins and health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall promise free maternity scans if elected,

Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

He said at present, it could cost prospective mothers up to $90, depending on where they lived.

"No one should have to skip a scan because they can't afford it," health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall added.

"Scans pick up issues early, help families prepare for birth, and save lives," Labour health spokesperson."

To cover the expected increase in demand, Labour said it would "invest in 24 additional paid trainee sonographer positions at Health New Zealand, building the workforce needed to deliver pregnancy scans and meet future demand".

It put the annual cost of free scans from July 2028 at $28.6 million, "funded from the revenue of Labour's simple, targeted capital gains tax… on profits from the sale of commercial and residential investment property".

Sonographers would be paid out of Health New Zealand baselines.

Labour has also promised free cervical screening with its Medicard proposal.

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