Termination of pregnancy
A termination of pregnancy is a medical procedure that is performed to end a pregnancy.
Deciding to end a pregnancy is a personal decision, which can be made for a range of reasons. Up to 22 weeks, a woman can request a termination of pregnancy for any reason. After 22 weeks, 2 doctors must agree the termination is appropriate in the circumstances.
Whatever your circumstances, a healthcare provider or counselling service, and sometimes your GP, can provide you with information and advice to help you understand your rights and the options available to you, including the types of procedure, cost, and services near you.
Termination of pregnancy options
Depending on the gestation of your pregnancy, your location, and the type of procedure you are looking for, you may have more than 1 option in terms of where and how.
Calculating your gestation is very important in determining what your options are. How far into your pregnancy you are is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Termination of pregnancy procedure may be done by:
- early medical termination of pregnancy using tablets to bring on a miscarriage
- surgical termination of pregnancy done by a doctor in a hospital or private clinic.
For more information about each procedure, and to work out which one is right for you, talk to a GP, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit Children by Choice.
Find a service
To find termination of pregnancy service that meets your individual needs, discuss your options with your GP, local Aboriginal medical service, local community health or women's health organisation, 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84), or Children by Choice.
A list of termination of pregnancy providers in Queensland can also be found on the Children by Choice website.
If you are having trouble accessing a termination of pregnancy service because of where you live, because you cannot afford the upfront cost of a procedure, or because you are a young person who can't or doesn't want to involve your parents, please talk to your GP, 13 HEALTH or Children by Choice.
Information and referral options
If you feel you need more information or support to help make your decision, you can contact:
- Your GP or local health service
- Your local Aboriginal medical service
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is a confidential telephone service that provides health information, referral and services to the public. You can phone and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.
- Children by Choice offers free all-options pregnancy counselling, information and referrals in Queensland. Call them on 1800 177 725 (free call).
- Women's Health and Equality Queensland offers health promotion, information and education services to women and health professionals in Queensland. Call them on (07) 3216 0376 (Brisbane residents) or 1800 017 676 (toll-free outside of Brisbane) to talk to a nurse or midwife.
- True Relationships and Reproductive Health provides expert reproductive and sexual health care.
If you are currently pregnant, or have been pregnant in the last 12 months, you may be eligible under Medicare to receive a maximum of three 30-minute support counselling services by an eligible GP, or eligible psychologist, social worker or mental health nurse on referral from a GP. It is your choice whether your partner attends any or all of the sessions with you.
Your healthcare provider may charge out of pocket expenses.Your privacy and safety
To ensure you can access termination health services without interference and with privacy and dignity, safe access zones are established around premises providing termination services.