Tasmanian women remain without access to low-cost surgical abortions almost a year after the state's only dedicated private clinic closed.
The state Liberal government pledged to open a new low-cost abortion service by the end of October but stalled negotiations between the provider and property owner have pushed the date back.
The health department on Friday afternoon said the clinic would be ready to take referrals in "coming weeks" but didn't specify a date.
"The provider met with the surgical facility in Hobart yesterday and is working to as quickly as possible finalise arrangements," Department of Health Secretary Michael Pervan said.
Tasmania's only low-cost abortion service closed in December, citing a drop in demand.
The state government has previously ruled out funding surgical abortions through the public health system and has offered travel assistance for women to fly interstate for the procedure.
Medical professionals and the head of Women's Legal Service Tasmania this week slammed the government for not providing enough information about the new provider and not sticking to an October start date.
"While the Department of Health has done everything it can to facilitate the set-up of a new provider, a commencement date remains dependent on the provider and the surgical facility," Mr Pervan said.
Women will be able to contact the service by phone or through GPs and other health professionals, he said.
Hundreds rallied in Hobart in August for better access to termination services and in support of ex-Cricket Australia staffer Angela Williamson, who was sacked for criticising the government's abortion policy on Twitter.
Labor's health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell has slammed the government for failing Tasmanian women and families.
Abortion is legal in Tasmania, along with Western Australia, Victoria, the Northern Territory, ACT and for some medical reasons in South Australia.
