There is no age limit on getting an abortion. If you are under 18 you may be able to get an abortion without a parent or guardian agreeing if the doctor thinks it is your decision and that you understand what that decision means.
The final decision is yours. If you do not want to tell your parent or guardian, in special circumstances you can apply to the Children's Court for an order to go ahead with an abortion without your parent's involvement. Legal assistance for this is free.
Informed consent
A person under the age of 16 can validly consent to an abortion without parental consent if the doctor is satisfied that she is mature enough to understand the implications of the decision.
There are no age requirements for buying a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available over the counter at most drug and grocery stores. If a store employee refuses to sell you a pregnancy test because of your age, visit a different store.
If you are under 18, to consent to an abortion, the doctor must think you are mature enough to understand the procedure and what is involved. You must also give consent freely and voluntarily, which means you have not been pressured into it.
There is no age limit on getting an abortion. If you are under 18 you may be able to get an abortion without a parent or guardian agreeing if the doctor thinks it is your decision and that you understand what that decision means.
Legislation. In Western Australia abortion is legal up to 20 weeks gestation, with limitations for pregnant people under the age of 16.
Whatever you decide to do, go to a doctor right away so they can help you stay healthy. The staff at your local Planned Parenthood health center can give you accurate information about all your options, answer your questions, and offer support. You can also find a trustworthy abortion provider at AbortionFinder.org.
The earlier your teen gets prenatal care, the better her chances for a healthy pregnancy, so bring her to the doctor as soon as possible after finding out she's pregnant. If you need help finding medical care, check with social service groups in the community or at your child's school.
If your doctor judges you to be mature enough to understand what making the decision means, you can consent to an abortion on your own - it is usually a good idea to have a parent or trusted adult involved to support you.
In many countries, including Australia, Serbia, India, Brazil, Croatia, Colombia, and the UK a minor is defined as a person under the age of 18.
About legal age in Australia
In Australia, you're considered to be an adult when you turn 18 years old. But for certain things, the legal age can be younger. The information in this article is general in nature, and laws differ from state to state.
It is not illegal to become pregnant at any age, and this includes making your own decisions about the pregnancy – abortion, adoption, keeping it.
ABORTION 2022
There is no legal age limit on seeking or having an abortion. This means you can consent (agree) to an abortion - or refuse to have one - as long as you are “competent” which means you are able to really understand the decision.
Section 199 of the Criminal Code Act Compilation Act contains two offences relating to abortions. It is an offence punishable by imprisonment for up to five years for a person who is not a medical practitioner to carry out an abortion (or attempt to do so).
Every year, an estimated 21 million girls aged 15–19 years in developing regions become pregnant and approximately 12 million of them give birth (1). Globally, ABR has decreased from 64.5 births per 1000 women (15–19 years) in 2000 to 41.3 births per 1000 women in 2023.
You should contact your GP surgery or local midwife service as soon as you find out you're pregnant (before 8 weeks into the pregnancy). It's important to see a midwife as early as possible to get the antenatal (pregnancy) care and information you need to have a healthy pregnancy.
Based on a true story, young Tina Spangler discovers she is pregnant, and when abandoned by her boyfriend, must decide what to do next. Forced to choose between abortion, adoption, or raising a child on her own, Tina's world as she once knew it is turned upside-down.
Make sure to talk through your options and think carefully before you make any decisions. Try talking to a family member, friend or someone you trust. Whatever your age, you can also ask for confidential advice from: a GP or practice nurse.
If you do not want to continue with the pregnancy you may decide to have an abortion. If you are unsure and want to talk about it more, you can make an appointment with your local sexual health clinic or your GP. They'll be able to support you and talk things through.
Chromosomal abnormalities cause about 50% of all miscarriages in the first trimester (up to 13 weeks) of pregnancy. Chromosomes are tiny structures inside the cells of your body that carry your genes. Genes determine all of a person's physical attributes, such as assigned sex, hair and eye color and blood type.
Pregnant dogs can be aborted using a product called ALIZIN. Whilst it is registered for use in dogs as far pregnant as 45 days post mating, it is recommended to use this product prior to day 35 post mating.
Abortion laws in the ACT
Accessing a safe abortion has been legal in the ACT since 2002 at any gestation, as long as it is provided by a registered medical practitioner (doctor). Abortion in the ACT is governed by the Health Act 1993, which requires that: Only a registered medical practitioner may carry out abortion.