State by state abortion requirements and limitations in Australia

abortionAs each state in Australia has its own disparate abortion legislation with variances in time frames and approval processes, Medical Forum compiled a succinct list of each state’s requirements and limitations on abortion:

  • ACT: Legal on request.
    • Accessible up to 14 weeks; 14-24 weeks terminations must be approved by a doctor.
    • Legal since 2002
    • Protesters must keep 50 meters away from abortion clinics
  • NT: Legal on request.
    • Accessible up to 14 weeks with the approval of one doctor; 14-24 weeks, the approval of two doctors is required.
    • Legal since 2017
    • Protesters must keep 150 meters away from abortion clinics
  • QLD: Legal on request.
    • Accessible up to 22 weeks. After 22 weeks, the approval of two doctors required.
    • Legal since 2018
    • Protesters must keep 150 meters away from abortion clinics
  • SA: Legal but restricted.
    • Accessible up to 23 weeks with the approval of two doctors who agree a woman’s physical and/or mental health is endangered by pregnancy, or for serious fetal abnormality.
    • Legal since 1969
    • No restrictions for protesters
  • TAS: Legal on request.
    • Accessible up to 16 weeks. After 16 weeks, the approval of two doctors is required.
    • Legal since 2013
    • Protesters must keep 150 meters away from abortion clinics
  • VIC: Legal on request.
    • Accessible up to 24 weeks with the approval of two doctors.
    • Legal since 2008
    • Protesters must keep 150 meters away from abortion clinics
  • WA: Legal on request.
    • Accessible up to 20 weeks. After 20 weeks, the approval of two doctors is required.
    • Legal since 1998
    • No restrictions for protesters
  • NSW: Illegal.
    • Abortion is a crime for women and doctors unless;
      • when a doctor believes a woman’s physical and/or mental health is endangered by pregnancy, or for serious fetal abnormality.
      • depending on social and economic factors