The NSW Abortion Law passed in October 2019. It is legal to get an abortion up to 22 weeks of pregnancy, and after 22 weeks of pregnancy, and it requires the approval of two Doctors. Medical Practitioners who have a conscious objection to abortion should transfer patients seeking an abortion to another Practitioner or to a clinic who provides Abortion Services.
You do not need a referral to get an abortion; you can call the clinic directly to make an appointment.
Most abortions are performed up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, and medical abortions (tablets) are performed up to 9 weeks gestation.
People under 16 years
If you are under 16 years old, your doctor will ask you questions to make sure you understand the procedure and what it will mean to you – this is called informed consent.
If your doctor judges you to be mature enough to understand what making this decision means, you can consent to an abortion on your own. It is usually a good idea to have a parent or trusted adult along to support you.
To read a Family Planning NSW Fact Sheet, click here >>
Contraception in women in their late 40’s and beyond 50 years
Women in their 40’s and 50’s are required to continue to use suitable contraception until they reach menopause.
If a woman stops menstruating for two years under the age of 50 or one year after 50, they are considered to be menopausal. This can be supported by doing a blood test. Ask one of our doctors if you need a blood test.
Choosing suitable contraception for mature women
Suitable contraception such as Contraceptive Implant or IUD (non-hormonal or hormonal) and barrier methods for women in this age group to be considered.