Regan Sparks, a 23-year-old British woman with cystic fibrosis, has been denied entry into Australia twice, first on a working holiday visa and again as a tourist, after the Department of Home Affairs ruled that her medical condition made her too much of a financial liability on the Australian healthcare system. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic condition that affects the lungs, digestive system and other organs.
Sparks, who detailed her experience on Instagram, says the decision has left her feeling discriminated against. She offered to bring her own medication, take out private insurance, cover all her medical expenses and sign a waiver releasing the Australian government from any financial responsibility for her care, but was still turned away on both occasions. She says cystic fibrosis has never stopped her from doing anything 'normal,' and that being told she cannot travel because of it was deeply upsetting.
