Labour pledges free maternity scans to ease pregnancy costs

Labour has committed to making maternity scans free under its Medicard health scheme if elected. Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall confirmed the policy will cover at least two routine ultrasounds—typically the dating scan at 12 weeks and anatomy scan at 20 weeks—that pregnant New Zealanders currently pay for out-of-pocket. The announcement, made 16 June, frames the move as a cost-of-living measure and joins earlier Medicard commitments on GP visits and cervical screening.