What is an abortion?

An abortion (also known as termination) is the process of ending a pregnancy. If you have an abortion you will not give birth to a baby. It is a safe and common procedure.

You can end your pregnancy by taking a special medicine or by having a short surgical procedure.

An abortion is not the same as a miscarriage. Miscarriage is when your pregnancy ends without medical involvement.

Why might I consider having an abortion?

There are many reasons why you might choose to have an abortion. Ending a pregnancy is a deeply personal choice. It can be a very difficult decision to make.

Your reasons to consider an abortion could include:

• the pregnancy is unplanned
• your personal situation makes it difficult or impossible to raise a child
• you do not have the financial resources (money) to care for a child
• you’re in an abusive relationship
• it’s not the right time to have a baby or you don’t want to have a baby
• you find out that your baby has a health problem or congenital disorder
• continuing with the pregnancy puts your health at risk

Whatever the reason, it is your choice to continue with a pregnancy.

When can I have an abortion?

The earlier you talk to your healthcare provider about having an abortion, the more choices you will have. If your doctor can’t help, ask for the name of another doctor who can.

A medical abortion (by taking medicine) is an option if you are up to 9 weeks pregnant.

If you are up to 14 weeks pregnant you can have a short surgical procedure. After 14 weeks your doctor will use a different surgical procedure.

Read more about the medical and surgical options for ending your pregnancy.

Your doctor may need to get approval for you to legally have an abortion if you are more than 20 weeks pregnant.

Dating ultrasound

If you are not sure about the date of your last period, you may need to have an ultrasound. An ultrasound can accurately 'date' your pregnancy so that you know how many weeks pregnant you are.

Your doctor can also order an ultrasound to check that you don’t have an ectopic pregnancy and to see where your placenta is sitting.

How is the 'morning after' pill different from an abortion?

Emergency contraception prevents a pregnancy from happening. In contrast, an abortion ends a pregnancy.

You can take emergency contraception, sometimes called the 'morning after pill', up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.

In Australia, you can buy emergency contraception medicine from your pharmacist without a prescription.

You can also talk to your doctor about having a copper intrauterine device (IUD). This is a form of long-acting contraception. It can also help prevent an unplanned pregnancy, up to 5 days after having unprotected sex.

Learn more about emergency contraception.

Is abortion legal in Australia?

Abortion is legal in all states and territories of Australia, with some limits. However, the law varies across states and territories.

Only a registered medical professional can do an abortion. In most parts of Australia, abortions after 22 to 24 weeks can only be done for certain reasons and must be approved by a second doctor.

In most states and territories, it is illegal to protest within 150m of a clinic that provides abortions.

Australian Capital Territory

Abortions can be performed at any stage during pregnancy.

New South Wales

Abortions can be performed at up to week 22 of pregnancy. After that, 2 doctors must approve the procedure.

Northern Territory

Abortions can be performed at up to week 24 of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, 2 doctors must approve the procedure.

Queensland

Abortions can be performed at up to week 22 of pregnancy. After this, 2 doctors must approve the procedure.

South Australia

Abortions can be performed at up to 22 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Abortions performed after this time, must be approved by 2 doctors.

Tasmania

Abortions can be performed at up to week 16 of pregnancy. After 16 weeks, 2 doctors must approve the procedure. An abortion can only be performed if there is a risk of harm to you if you continue the pregnancy.

Victoria

Abortions can be performed at up to week 24 of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, 2 doctors must approve the procedure.

Western Australia

Abortion can be performed up to 23 weeks of pregnancy. After 23 weeks, 2 doctors must approve the procedure.

How much does an abortion cost?

The cost of an abortion will depend on:

• whether it is a medical or surgical abortion
• how far you are into your pregnancy
• whether you are using a public service or a private clinic
• where you live

Hospitals and doctors may offer bulk billing. Abortion services may be partially or fully covered by Medicare.

If you are using a private clinic, check the cost of the consultation.

The medicine used for abortion is listed on the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme (PBS). This means that the Government pays part of the cost of a medicine. To find out how much a medicine may cost you, visit the PBS website or ask a pharmacist.

Surgical abortions may cost around the same as a medical abortion. The cost can vary depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, and if you are a public or private patient.

Apart from the cost of the actual procedure, consider that you may need to travel to get an abortion. Abortion services are not easily to access in rural and remote areas. You may also need to take time off work and arrange care for any other children.

Some clinics can offer medical abortion consultations via telehealth video call. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out if this option is available to you.

What is abortion counselling?

Counselling is when you talk to a trained health professional in a safe space. It can be an important part of the decision making process when you have an unplanned pregnancy.

Abortion counselling lets you talk about the procedure and about your thoughts and feelings. Counselling can help you understand all your options and make a decision that is right for you.

You may want to talk with family and friends. Don’t let anyone else pressure you into a decision you are not happy with.

Counselling provided should give you unbiased information and support your decision making, whatever you decide to do.

Your partner or the other parent may also want to have counselling. You don't have to see the same counsellor. Abortion counselling is optional.

Counselling before and after an abortion can provide you with the support you need.

Counselling before an abortion

Counselling before an abortion is a good time to talk about your thoughts and feelings, to help you decide what to do about your pregnancy.

It can help even if you have already decided what to do.

Counselling before an abortion is usually just one session. The counsellor will understand that you need to see them urgently.

The counsellor can talk you through things to consider in your decision such as your:

• career
• financial situation
• family situation
• mental or physical health

You can also discuss other pregnancy options.

If you are considering an abortion a trained counsellor will talk to you about the procedure itself. Counselling can also guide you through what to expect afterwards.

It's important to remember that the person you speak to won't judge you. Their role is to give you information and help you work through how you feel.

Counselling after an abortion

After an abortion, most people will have a follow-up appointment to talk with a doctor or nurse. In this appointment, you can also discuss your:

• physical recovery
• emotional recovery
• options for contraception

Some people find having an abortion quite traumatic. You may experience:

• guilt
• shame
• grief
• depression
• anxiety

It can be helpful to talk to a trained professional about how you feel.

Anyone can have counselling after an abortion, even if the abortion was a long time ago.

Talk to your doctor or find a counsellor in the list below.

Where can I get abortion counselling?

Your doctor or local Family Planning clinic can be a good place to start when you are looking for abortion counselling. Other places that offer non-biased counselling include:

• MSI Australia for abortion counselling online, or call 1300 003 707 to make an appointment
• Children by Choice on 1800 177 725 (nationwide) or if you are in Queensland on (07) 3357 5377
• 1800 My Options on 1800 696 784 for information about pregnancy options
• 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 if you have experienced sexual assault or domestic family violence
• PANDA on 1300 726 306 for people experiencing anxiety or depression around pregnancy
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for support if you are experiencing anxiety and depression

What does abortion counselling cost?

Some pregnancy support counselling services are subsidised by Medicare.

There may be some out-of-pocket costs. Ask about the cost when you book your appointment.

There are also free phone and online counselling services available.

What should I expect after having an abortion?

Your healthcare provider will give you information about looking after yourself after an abortion.

You may experience:

• vaginal bleeding
• abdominal pain
• sensitive breasts
• milk leaking from your breasts
• tiredness

Read more about what happens after a medical or surgical abortion.

In terms of your emotions, it’s normal to feel any mix of:

• relief
• sadness
• emptiness
• regret
• guilt
• grief
• anger

You can see a counsellor after your abortion to talk about your feelings.

Time off

You might be able to return to your normal activities as soon as the next day after an abortion. Try to rest when you can.

Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least a week after your abortion.

When will my periods start again?

After you've had an abortion, your normal menstrual cycle (periods) can return straight away.

When should I start contraception after an abortion?

As your menstrual cycle will soon go back to normal, it means you can get pregnant again.

Ask your doctor or clinic about the best type of contraception for you and when to start using it. You might want to wait at least a week before having sex after an abortion.

What are the possible complications of abortion?

Abortion is a very safe procedure, when performed by trained health professionals in a certified healthcare facility. Abortion can carry fewer medical risks than a full-term pregnancy.

Having an abortion does not affect your future fertility.

Some possible complications of abortion are:

• problems with the anaesthetic (medicine used for sedation and pain)
• medicine side effects
• bleeding
• damage to your uterus
• incomplete or failed abortion

Ask your doctor about the possible risks of surgery and if they apply to you.

Infection

One possible complication of abortion is infection.

About 1 in 100 people who have an abortion will experience an infection. Symptoms of infection include:

• fever
• chills
• feeling unwell
• unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge

If you think you have an infection, get urgent medical attention.

Here are some tips for reducing your chance of infection:

• use sanitary pads instead of tampons
• do not put anything in your vagina for at least a week — this includes avoiding vaginal sex and douching
• avoid baths or swimming — showering as usual is fine
• wash your hands

How do I find an abortion clinic?

You can contact the Family Planning clinic in your state or territory.

Use the online Find a Health service to get help finding a service near you.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Your healthcare rights include safe, high-quality medical care, the right to respect, privacy and information about your options. Read more on your healthcare rights.

Resources and support

Australia has safe and supportive abortion and family planning clinics that can provide advice.

To find these clinics and information about abortion in your state or territory, contact:

• Family Planning Alliance Australia
• MSI Australia (1300 003 707)
• ACT - Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
• NSW - NSW Pregnancy Choices Helpline (1800 008 463)
• NT - Family Planning NT (08 8948 0144)
• QLD - Children by Choice (1800 177 725)
• SA - Pregnancy Advisory Centre (08 7117 8999)
• TAS - Family Planning Tasmania
• VIC - 1800 My Options (1800 696 784)
• WA - Sexual Health Quarters

Children by Choice has an Easy English leaflet about pregnancy choices and abortion.

Languages other than English

The Victorian Government's Health Translations website has information about abortion in other languages.

You can also get information about abortion in several languages from 1800 My Options.