Abortion

Some women face the situation of having an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.

Abortion is also known as Termination of Pregnancy, and refers to the procedure which ends the pregnancy.

There are different laws in different states about the circumstances in which you are able to access abortion.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory you can legally have an abortion up to 14 weeks into the pregnancy if two doctors agree that the pregnancy would be harmful to the woman’s physical and/or mental health, or if there is serious foetal abnormality. Where there is a medical emergency an abortion can be performed up to 23 weeks into the pregnancy.

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor. You should never feel pressured to have a termination. For further information about pregnancy options you can contact your local GP, Family Planning NT (on 08 8948 0144), or Clinic 34.

It is illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy herself. It is also illegal for anyone to assist without the necessary authority and qualifications.

ACT

An abortion is legal in the ACT, but it must be conducted by a registered medical practitioner who has the appropriate authority and qualifications to do so.

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor. You should never feel pressured to have a termination.

It is illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy herself or for anyone to assist without the appropriate authority.

For further information about pregnancy options contact Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT on 02 6247 3077.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, abortion is legal if performed before 20 weeks.  Women must be given the opportunity to participate in counselling before a termination can be performed.

Women under the age of 16 require one parent to be informed.

If the pregnancy has progressed past 20 weeks, access to abortion is very restricted and special circumstances may justify the abortion.

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor.  You should never feel pressured to have a termination.

It is illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy herself or for anyone to assist without the appropriate authority.

For further information about pregnancy options, contact Pregnancy Support or Women’s Health and Family Services.

NSW

In NSW, abortions are made available on request during the first 22 weeks of pregnancy.

After 22 weeks of pregnancy, there are conditions to this including that the abortion myst occur in an approved health facility by a specialist medical practitioner who has consulted with another practitioner, and that the woman has been offered counselling.

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor. You should never feel pressured to have a termination.

It is illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy herself or for anyone to assist without the appropriate authority.

For further information about pregnancy options contact Family Planning NSW.

Victoria

In Victoria, abortions are allowed on request up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.

After 24 weeks, it is still legal, but requires the approval of two doctors. The doctors must agree it is in the patient’s best interests, based on her current and future physical, psychological, and social circumstances.

For further information and support, you can contact the following organisations:

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor.  You should never feel pressured to have a termination.

South Australia

Abortion is legal in SA up to the 28th week of pregnancy. The opinion of doctors must be sought and the abortion may only take place in an approved clinic. Parental consent is needed for women under 16.

The Pregnancy Advisory Centre provides women in SA with information about pregnancy options and a safe abortion service. The Centre provides pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, abortion services up to approximately 22 weeks, counselling, emergency contraception and sexual health care information. The Centre is open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4pm and is situated in Woodville Park in Adelaide’s western suburbs. The Centre can be contacted on 08 8243 3999 or for a SA Country Freecall, 1800 672 966.

SHine SA Women’s Information Service on 08 8303 0590 or a toll free for country callers on 1800 188 158 provides advice on what steps to take next. For further abortion information see their website.

Tasmania

You can access a termination of pregnancy in Tasmania up until 16 weeks into the pregnancy, but after that time two doctors need to certify that the continuation of the pregnancy would be against the physical or mental wellbeing of the woman.

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor.  You should never feel pressured to have a termination.  If you talk to your doctor they must discuss all options with you, or refer you to someone who will.

For further information about all pregnancy options contact Family Planning Tasmania or the Hobart Women’s Health Centre.  Neither organisation provides terminations, but they can talk through all options for continuing or terminating a pregnancy.

Queensland

Abortion in Queensland is legal and available on request at a health service until 22 weeks into pregnancy.

After 22 weeks, the medical practitioner performing the termination must consult another medical practitioner, and both must agree that, in all the circumstances, the termination should be performed.

If you are considering a termination, you should speak to your doctor. You should never feel pressured to have a termination.

It is illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy herself or for anyone to assist without the appropriate authority.

For further information about pregnancy options contact True or Children By Choice on 07 3357 5377 or freecall 1800 177 725.