Australia: Difference between revisions

'''Important Note:''' There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a series of pills to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For more information about medical and surgical abortions, you can visit the [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/abortion/ Marie Stopes Australia abortion page].

In the state of Victoria, abortion is permitted for up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, it is legal if two physicians agree that it is appropriate. All standard reasons for an abortion are permitted, including to save the life of the woman, to preserve physical health, to preserve mental health, rape or incest, fetal impairment, economic or social reasons, and available on request. Furthermore, Mifepristone (the abortion pill) was registered in 2012. The abortion laws in Victoria have been in place since the Abortion Law Reform Act (2008). Before that time, the Victorian Crimes Act, abortions were only permitted if the pregnancy threatened the life of health of the woman.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_Law_Reform_Act_2008_(Victoria) Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 (Victoria)]</ref>

In the state of New South Wales, abortion is technically a criminal offence. However, it is legally permitted in most scenarios, which include: when there is a medical, social, or economic reason that causes a "serious danger" to a pregnant person's life, or when negative health consequences may be felt by the pregnant person after the birth of the child. These rules are very general and broad, meaning that most people are able to find legal means of obtaining an abortion in New South Wales, even if abortion is technically not fully legal.<ref>[https://www.clinic66.com.au/pregnancy-termination-abortion/abortion-legal-australia/ Is Abortion Legal in Australia?]</ref>

Regarding Misoprostol availabilty, Women on Waves reports that "Misoprostol is available as cytotec. We do not have any information on how easy it is to get in a pharmacy.  In 2012, mifepristone and misoprostol were approved for use in termination of pregnancy by our Therapeutic Goods Administration (http://www.tga.gov.au/hp/information-medicines-mifepristone-gymiso.htm). They are only available through medical practitioners, and cannot be purchased over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription. In practice, access will be difficult for women who don’t live geographically near a clinic or practitioner who provides this service (a similar problem for surgical abortion in Australia)."<ref>[https://www.womenonwaves.org/en/page/4970/australia--organizations-and-clinics Australia: Organizations and clinics, Women on Waves]</ref>

Women can access medical abortion through a phone service telephone number: 1300 003 707.  

* Please note that General Practitioners can provide medical terminations in primary care practices and community health centres, however often don't want to advertise this for fear of anti-choice picketers or other activities. Check with a Family Planning organisation in the state or territory you are in to find your closest provider.

* [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/ Marie Stopes Australia]: Marie Stopes provides surgical abortion, medical abortion, vasectomy, contraception (and Tubal Ligation in Western Australia only) and counselling. Prices can be found [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/bookings/prices/ here], but they do vary a little by state. All of services come with access to a 24/7 aftercare line in case of complications or concerns. Marie Stopes offer both medical and surgical terminations, including medical abortion via telephone (telehealth). They also offer [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/your-choices/decision-based-abortion-counselling/ decision based counselling] for patients who are unsure if an abortion is right for them, as well as post-abortion counselling for any patients who request it. No referral is required, (except in Western Australia where it is a requirement to access abortion services), patients can call them directly to arrange an appointment or discuss their options on 1300 207 382 or inquire online. Callers outside Australia: +61 3 9658 7470. If you’ve had a procedure and have any concerns, please call [https://www.mariestopes.org.au/support-services/24-hour-aftercare/ 24-hour aftercare service].