Labour has announced a policy to make maternity ultrasound scans free nationwide, saying no pregnant woman should face financial barriers when accessing essential healthcare during pregnancy.
The party says families across Aotearoa are currently paying hundreds of dollars in scan surcharges, despite ultrasound imaging being a critical part of prenatal care. Labour argues the growing cost of maternity scans has created inequities, particularly for low-income families, Māori, Pacific whānau and those living in rural communities.
The proposal would remove out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy-related ultrasound scans, ensuring expectant mothers can access the imaging they need without worrying about additional fees.
The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about access to maternity ultrasound services. Recent reports have highlighted significant regional differences in scan costs, with some women facing co-payments exceeding $150 per appointment. Health advocates have warned these costs can discourage women from attending recommended scans, potentially affecting maternal and infant health outcomes.
Labour says the policy is designed to improve access to early detection of pregnancy complications and support better outcomes for mothers and babies.
The party argues maternity care should be available based on need rather than a family’s ability to pay, and says removing scan fees would reduce financial pressure at a time when many households are already struggling with the cost of living.
The announcement is expected to become a key health policy ahead of the 2026 General Election, with maternal health, healthcare access and cost-of-living pressures emerging as major campaign issues.
Health New Zealand recently announced temporary additional funding to support community maternity ultrasound services while a wider review of funding and service delivery is undertaken. The funding aims to improve affordability and consistency of access across the country.
Labour says its proposal would deliver a permanent solution by guaranteeing free maternity scans for all pregnant women nationwide.
