What is an abortion?

Women and girls get pregnant. Sometimes being pregnant is a happy occasion. Sometimes being pregnant is not what women and girls want. If one is pregnant but does not want to have a baby, she needs a medical procedure called abortion.

Abortion is allowed in Australia. Some countries do not allow abortions. It is a woman’s right in Australia to have an abortion.

How to get an abortion?

To get an abortion in Australia a girl or a woman should see a GP. A GP will give her a letter. That letter is called a referral. Referral explains where to go to have an abortion. You must never worry that GP will judge you. GPs never tell patients off. Also, GPs will never tell anyone what you tell them during your appointments. You can trust Australian GPs fully.

Some places that do abortions do not need a letter from your doctor. For example Marie Stopes abortion clinics. You do not need a referral from your doctor to make a booking, except in Western Australia, where it is a legal requirement.

It is still better to start by seeing your GP because a GP will explain things before you go to an abortion clinic.

Never delay making an appointment with your doctor.

When you see a GP to ask for an abortion, please, ask about how much an abortion cost. Some places do abortions for free. Some places ask for some money to be paid.

What age do you need to be to get an abortion?

If you are older than 16, you can have an abortion without your parents knowing. Your doctor will need to make sure you understand what is involved.

If you are younger than 16, you need at least one of your parents to be with you when you see a doctor for an abortion. If you don’t want your parents to know, you need to go to the youth legal centre and ask for help.