What are the current abortion laws in Australia?
Legislation. In Western Australia abortion is legal when performed before 20 weeks gestation, with limitations for women and pregnant people under 16. Provisions relating to abortion are found in the Criminal Code and the Health Act.
How are abortions done in Australia?
There are 2 ways to have an abortion — via surgery or by taking a pill (before you are 9 weeks pregnant). Both ways are very safe and effective in Australia.
How much does an abortion cost in Australia?
The cost of a pregnancy termination depends on whether it is medical or surgical and your gestation (over 12 weeks becomes more expensive). However, out of pocket expense for a surgical termination of pregnancy under 12 weeks is approximately $470 if you hold a current Medicare card.
Why is abortion legal in Australia?
South Australia Legislation in 1969 legalised abortion when necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the woman—taking into account the current and reasonably foreseeable future—or in cases when the child was likely to be born with serious handicaps.
How old do you have to be to get an abortion in Australia?
Informed consent 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.
How hard is it to get an abortion in Australia?
The law in NSW Women and pregnant people are no longer at risk of prosecution for procuring their own abortion and doctors are able to perform an abortion after gaining informed consent up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
How long does an abortion take Australia?
Surgical abortion is a safe and straightforward day-surgery procedure most often performed in the first trimester (up to 14 weeks’ gestation). The procedure takes about 15 minutes, but you will need to be at the clinic or hospital for about 4 hours.
How is an abortion performed?
Surgical abortion involves dilating the opening to the uterus (cervix) and placing a small suction tube into the uterus. Suction is used to remove the fetus and related pregnancy material from the uterus. Before the procedure, you may have the following tests: A urine test checks if you are pregnant.
How old do you have to be to get an abortion in Victoria?
In Victoria, abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. 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.
Is abortion still legal?
Abortion in the United States is legal, subject to balancing tests tying state regulation of abortion to the three trimesters of pregnancy, via the landmark 1973 case of Roe v. Wade, the first abortion case to be taken to the Supreme Court. Every state has at least one abortion clinic.
Can you get an abortion under 16 without parents 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.
Is abortion illegal in Australia?
Abortion in Australia is legal. It has been fully decriminalised in all jurisdictions, starting with Western Australia in 1998 and lastly in South Australia in 2021.
Do abortions cost money in Victoria?
Most abortions in Victoria are performed by private providers (such as GPs, private clinics and specialists) which means you will need to pay for the abortion. Most people will also need to pay for blood tests and ultrasound scans.
What is a good research question for abortion?
Create Research Questions to Focus Your Topic Why is abortion such a controversial issue? What are the medical arguments for and against abortion? What are the religious arguments for and against abortion? What are the political arguments for and against abortion?