A state-by-state guide to getting an abortion in Australia
Words by Lily Beamish
All your questions about abortion in Australia, answered.
The topic of abortion can feel extremely difficult to confront at the best of times, and this becomes all the more apparent when you are in the position of actually needing one.
As someone who was born and raised in Australia, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about Australia’s abortion rights – that was, until I had to have one.
Being in the position of seeking an abortion clinic is stressful enough, so to help make things a little easier, I’ve put together a comprehensive overview of what avenues are available to you, depending on your state.
For more health and wellness advice, head on over to our Health section.
Alongside the state-by-state information you’ll find at the bottom of this article, here’s what you might expect if you choose to proceed with a medical or surgical abortion in Australia.
Is abortion legal in Australia?
Here, unlike in America, abortions are legal in all states and territories. The parameters for abortions, however, differ state by state.
What are my options for an abortion in Australia?
There are two types of abortions provided in Australia: a medical abortion and a surgical abortion. Both methods require a preliminary doctor’s appointment, a blood test, and/or an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is in utero and its gestational period before moving to the next step.
How much is an abortion?
Abortions in Australia are not cheap. According to MSI, Australia’s leading provider of abortion, contraception and vasectomy services, the lowest price an Australian with Medicare will pay for an abortion is:
- $510 for a telehealth abortion. There are additional costs for an ultrasound, which is needed before the abortion.
- $620 for an in-clinic medical abortion, which includes the cost of blood tests, ultrasounds, follow-up appointments, and treatments.
- $775 for a surgical abortion.
If you have a Health Care Card, the cost of your service will be slightly lower. Nonetheless, there are still significant out-of-pocket costs associated with abortion, and as of 2025, the ACT is the only state providing free abortion services to its residents.
What to expect from a medical abortion in Australia
In Australia, a medical abortion (abortion pill) at an abortion clinic is available up to nine weeks of gestation. It’s a two-step process where two different pills are taken between 36 and 48 hours apart.
Step one uses a medicine called Mifepristone. This first pill blocks the production of progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue. This should be taken two hours before and after eating. Most people will not notice any side effects after taking this medicine. Allow 36 to 48 hours to pass.
Step two uses a medicine called Misoprostol. In Australia, you take four of these tablets, holding them in the buccal pouch (the space between your cheek and molar) for 30 minutes before swallowing the remaining pill fragments with water. This should be taken two hours before and after eating.
After swallowing the pills, the termination process will begin with bleeding starting 30 minutes to 24 hours afterward. Side effects of the medication can also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and chills or fever, but these are usually mild and short-lived. Many doctors in Australia will prescribe pain medication alongside the medical abortion medication. These, as well as heat packs and drinking warm tea, will help ease you through the experience.
It’s recommended that someone you trust stays with you for the first 24 hours after taking the second-step medication. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding (filling more than two pads an hour, for two hours in a row), severe pain or passing clots larger than a tennis ball, it’s recommended you seek urgent medical care.
Doctors also recommended you stay within a two-hour drive of a hospital for 14 days after taking the second-step medication, in case of complications.
What to expect from a surgical abortion in Australia
In Australia, surgical abortions are generally not available before six weeks of gestation as early surgical abortions pose a risk of perforating the uterine lining.
A trained doctor usually performs a surgical abortion in a clinic or a hospital. It’s a day procedure usually done where a patient is under general or local anaesthetic. Before 12 weeks, the procedure takes about 15 minutes.
For a pregnancy of more than 12 weeks, the surgery will take more time and may involve extra steps. Prior to having a surgical abortion, it’s recommended that you don’t smoke, drink (even water), or eat for the preceding six hours.
The physical after
After a medical and surgical abortion, you may experience up to four weeks of bleeding. Bleeding after an abortion is different for everyone – generally, after a medical abortion, there will be more bleeding and cramping during and after the procedure.
After both types of abortion, you should avoid placing anything in your vagina for two weeks. This includes using tampons or menstrual cups, having vaginal intercourse, swimming or taking baths – stick to showers.
Each abortion will illicit a different physical response; go softly as you recover and listen to your body. You have undergone a big physical shift, so nurture yourself with good food, pain medication, and rest. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least a week.
The emotional after
Having an abortion can stir up many feelings. You may feel happy and relieved. You may feel guilt, regret, or a need to rationalise. These feelings are normal, and how you process an abortion is incredibly individual. However, it’s important to acknowledge that what you have gone through has been huge for both your body and your mind.
There’s an array of pre– and post– abortion counselling services across Australia. Below, in addition to state-specific information on abortions in Australian, you’ll find a list of confidential and free services that can assist you or refer you to speciality counsellors.
State-by-state abortion access in Australia
Victoria
Abortion accessibility: You can choose to have an abortion up to 24 weeks. After 24 weeks, you need approval from two doctors.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in Victoria up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in Victoria up to 24 weeks. However, according to Sexual Health Victoria, accessing abortion after 16 weeks becomes costly and can be difficult to find a provider.
Providers: MSI, Fertility Control Clinic, The Royal Women’s Hospital.
Helpline: 1800 My Options
Ph: 1800 696 784
New South Wales
Abortion accessibility: You can choose to have an abortion without consolation up to 22 weeks. After 22 weeks, you need approval from two doctors.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in New South Wales up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available in New South Wales up to 22 weeks. After 20 weeks, it becomes difficult to find a provider.
Providers: MSI, Family Planning NSW, Clinic 66.
Helpline: The Family Planning NSW Talkline
Ph: 1300 658 886
Tasmania
Abortion accessibility: You can choose to have an abortion without consolation up to 16 weeks. Between 16 and 20 weeks an abortion can be performed with the approval from two doctors.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in Tasmania up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available in Tasmania up to 16 weeks but many clinics only provide them for women up to 12-14 weeks.
Providers: Family Planning Tasmania (medical abortion only), Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, and North West Regional Hospital (for surgical abortion).
Helpline: Women’s Health Tasmania
Ph: (03) 6231 3212
South Australia
Abortion accessibility: You can choose to have an abortion without consultation from a doctor up to 23 weeks. After 23 weeks an abortion can be performed with the approval from two doctors.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in South Australia up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available in South Australia up to 23 weeks. However, after 20 weeks, it becomes difficult to find a provider.
Providers: Pregnancy Advisory Centre, Flinders Medical Centre, Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Helpline: Pregnancy Advisory Centre
Ph: (08) 7117 8999
Western Australia
Abortion accessibility: You can choose to have an abortion without consultation from a doctor up to 23 weeks. After 23 weeks an abortion can be performed with the approval from two doctors.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in Western Australia up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available in Western Australia between nine and 23 weeks.
Providers: Family Planning Welfare Association of NT. Medical abortions can be prescribed by GPs. Surgical abortions are available at the Royal Darwin Hospital, Palmerston Hospital, Alice Springs Hospital, Gove Hospital, Katherine Hospital.
Helpline: 4 Choice
Ph: 1800 424 642
Northern Territory
Abortion accessibility: You can access an abortion up to 24 weeks however the approval of a doctor is needed.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in Northern Territory up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available between nine and 23 weeks.
Providers: MSI, Choices Southwest, Nanyara Clinic.
Helpline: Family Planning Welfare Association Northern Territory
Ph: (08) 8948 0144
Queensland
Abortion accessibility: You can choose to have an abortion without consultation from a doctor up to 22 weeks. After 22 weeks an abortion can be performed with the approval from two doctors.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available in Queensland up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available up to 16 weeks.
Providers: MSI, all Queensland Hospital and Health Services have pathways for accessing termination of pregnancy services.
Helpline: Children By Choice
Ph: 1800 177 725
Australia Capital Territory
Abortion accessibility: There is no legally binding timeframe for abortions in the ACT. There are a number of pharmacies in the ACT that provide free abortion medicine.
Medical abortion timeframe: Medical abortions are available up to nine weeks.
Surgical abortion timeframe: Surgical abortions are available “on demand” in Canberra up to 16 weeks, meaning you do not need a doctor’s approval. After 16 weeks you may need a referral to a specialised service.
Providers: MSI, Watson General Practice, Molonglo Valley Medical Centre.
Helpline: MSI Australia
Ph: 1300 003 707
For more information on abortion clinics in Australia, head here.
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