Is it legal to have an abortion in Australia?

I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy is required. Yes, you can. Abortion is legal in all states and territories of Australia.

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Is abortion now illegal in Australia?

Abortion is legal for up to 22 weeks' and 6 days gestation. After 22 weeks' and 6 days gestation, abortion is only permitted in certain special or emergency circumstances.

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Is abortion legal South Australia?

Under section 5 of the Termination of Pregnancies Act, an abortion can legally be performed in South Australia where: it is performed by a medical practitioner and the patient is no more than 22 weeks and six days pregnant; or. it is performed by a registered health practitioner by administering or prescribing a drug.

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What is the abortion law in Western Australia?

Western Australia is the only state where abortion remains in the criminal code. Abortion is regulated as an exception to the criminal code, through an outdated law that imposes unnecessary barriers to timely healthcare for women.

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How late can you terminate a pregnancy in NSW?

In NSW, services for abortion are generally available up to 20 weeks of pregnancy but services for later abortions are more limited. Later abortions are sometimes performed for serious medical reasons including fetal abnormalities.

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Dateline Explains: Australia's Abortion Laws

17 related questions found

What to do if you are pregnant and don't want it?

If you have had sex in the last five days and do not want to be pregnant you can use emergency contraception such as the emergency contraceptive pill or non-hormonal copper IUD.
...
What are my options?
  1. Abortion (medical or surgical)
  2. Continuing the pregnancy and parenting.
  3. Continuing the pregnancy and adoption or foster care.

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How long do you have to terminate a pregnancy in Australia?

A woman or pregnant person can access abortion up to a gestational limit of 24 weeks. Beyond the 24 weeks, a medical practitioner can provide an abortion if another medical practitioner agrees that an abortion is appropriate in all the circumstances.

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What are the new Australian abortion rules?

Legislation. Abortion is legal in New South Wales, a termination can be sought up until 22 weeks gestation. Terminations can be performed after 22 weeks gestation however there are conditions to this including the consultation of a second medical practitioner and the offering of counselling.

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Are abortions legal in Perth?

Abortion is legal in Western Australia before 20 weeks of pregnancy. After 20 weeks, abortion is only available if the woman or fetus, has a severe condition and the procedure must be approved by a panel of medical practitioners, who are specifically appointed for this role.

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Is abortion a crime in Western Australia?

In 1998, Western Australia (WA) became the first Australian jurisdiction to decriminalise abortion. In WA abortions can be legally performed if certain requirements have been met. These requirements are set out in the Criminal Code Compliation Act 1913 and the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911 (WA) Act.

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How long has abortion been legal in South Australia?

In 1969, South Australia became the first Australian jurisdiction to legislate for the lawful medical termination of pregnancy. Over 50 years have passed since those laws were first enacted.

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How much does an abortion cost in South Australia?

Most private abortion clinics in an urban area charge about $500 upfront for a first trimester surgical or in-clinic medical termination, and $290 upfront for an out-of-clinic or “at home” medical termination.

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Can a 16 year old get an abortion without parental consent Australia?

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.

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What is the conscientious objection abortion Australia?

Conscientious objection applies to registered healthcare practitioners who may be required to participate in a termination of pregnancy (ToP) procedure, for example, medical practitioners, anaesthetists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners.

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Is abortion legal in Sri Lanka?

Abortion is illegal unless the life of the mother is at risk. Causing an abortion is a criminal act under the Sri Lankan Penal Code6 and is punishable with imprisonment ranging from three to ten years, with or without ine.

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What are some social issues in Australia?

racism and discrimination continue to be significant social problems in Australia, impacting individuals and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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What are the human rights to reproductive freedom?

New South Wales law now recognises the right of women, and all pregnant people, to make choices about their bodies and futures in consultation with their doctor, free from the fear of prosecution.

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Can you terminate a pregnancy before 6 weeks?

If you are unsure of your gestational age but have had a positive pregnancy test, it is important to understand that a medical abortion can only be performed after 5 weeks and before 9 weeks (63 days) counting from the start of your last period.

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Who can terminate a 20 weeks pregnancy with the consent of?

[1] The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971 allows for aborting the pregnancy by medical doctors (with specified specialisation) on certain grounds. A pregnancy maybe be terminated up to 12 weeks based on the opinion of one doctor, and up to 20 weeks based on the opinion of two doctors.

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What does the baby look like at 22 weeks?

What does my baby look like? Your baby, or foetus, is around 27.8cm long from head to toe and weighs about 430g. That's approximately the size of a papaya and the weight of 5 tangerines. The lungs are developing and your little one will be doing some breathing practice in your womb.

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What if I just found out I'm pregnant?

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.

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How can I prevent pregnancy after 10 days?

Emergency contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Often called the morning-after pill, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are pills that can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after having unprotected sex.

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What are 1 week pregnancy symptoms?

Pregnancy symptoms in week 1
  • nausea with or without vomiting.
  • breast changes including tenderness, swelling, or tingling feeling, or noticeable blue veins.
  • frequent urination.
  • headache.
  • raised basal body temperature.
  • bloating in the belly or gas.
  • mild pelvic cramping or discomfort without bleeding.
  • tiredness or fatigue.

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Where can I get an abortion in South Australia?

No referral is required to access abortion services in South Australia; however a GP, school counsellor, community health service or SHine SA clinic may choose to provide a referral for you.

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