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Abortion Laws in Western Australia: What You Need to Know

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can bring up a lot of questions, and not knowing where you stand legally can add to the stress. However, abortion in Western Australia is regulated by clear public health legislation, and understanding the basics can help you feel more informed about your options.

Below, we walk through the current laws, what they mean in practice, and how Athena Women’s Clinic in Bentley can support you through this process.

Is Abortion Legal in Western Australia?

Illustration representing abortion laws in Western Australia, gestational limits and confidential medical termination care by Athena Women's Clinic Perth

Yes. Abortion in WA is governed by the Public Health Act 2016, following reforms introduced under the Abortion Legislation Reform Act 2023. As a result, abortion is no longer part of the Criminal Code, and accessing this care is treated as a standard part of women’s healthcare rather than a criminal matter.

The reforms, which came into effect in March 2024, also reduced the number of health practitioners required to be involved in most abortions from two to one, and removed the requirement for mandatory counselling beforehand.

What Is the Gestational Limit?

Under current WA law, an abortion can be performed on request up to 23 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond this point, an abortion may still be possible, but it requires additional clinical assessment in line with the law.

Medical Abortion Timing

For early medical abortion specifically, the medication used (MS-2 Step) is authorised by the TGA up to nine weeks (63 days) gestation. Therefore, the option that is right for you will depend on how far along you are, which your doctor can confirm with a consultation and ultrasound.

Do You Need a Referral?

No. You do not need a referral from another doctor to book a consultation for a medical termination. Consequently, you can contact a provider directly to arrange your initial assessment, although you are also welcome to bring a referral if your GP has already provided one.

Who Can Provide This Care?

Under the updated laws, the range of practitioners who can be involved in abortion care has broadened. Specifically, nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives can now prescribe medical abortion medication within their scope of practice, alongside GPs and specialists. This change was designed to reduce delays and make care more accessible across WA, particularly outside major hospitals.

What About Counselling?

Counselling is no longer a mandatory legal requirement before an abortion in WA. That said, if you would find it helpful to talk through your decision or your feelings about it, your GP can refer you to appropriate support, and this is always your choice rather than an obligation.

Your Right to Access Care Safely

Western Australia also has safe access zone laws in place. This means a protected zone applies around premises that provide abortion services, where harassment, intimidation, or obstruction of anyone accessing care is a legal offence. These laws exist to protect your privacy and safety when attending an appointment.

What Happens at a Medical Termination Consultation?

At Athena Women’s Clinic, your first appointment is a thorough, confidential consultation. During this visit, our GP will review your medical history, confirm your pregnancy with an in-clinic ultrasound, and talk through the options available to you based on your gestation and individual circumstances.

Our team includes a GP experienced as an MS-2 Step prescriber, which means medical termination care can be managed within our clinic from assessment through to follow-up.

Speak With Your GP

Every situation is different, and the right path forward depends on your individual circumstances, gestation, and health history. If you have questions about your options or would like to book a confidential consultation, our team is here to listen without judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Abortion Laws in WA

No, you do not need a referral from another doctor to book a consultation for a medical termination in Western Australia. You can contact a provider directly to arrange your initial assessment, although you are welcome to bring a referral if your GP has already provided one.

Under current WA law, an abortion can be performed on request up to 23 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond this point, an abortion may still be possible in some circumstances, but it requires additional clinical assessment in line with the law.

No, counselling is no longer a mandatory legal requirement before an abortion in WA. If you would find it helpful to talk through your decision, your GP can refer you to appropriate support, but this is always your choice.

GPs, specialists, nurse practitioners, and endorsed midwives can all prescribe medical abortion medication (MS-2 Step) within their scope of practice under the current laws, which was designed to improve access to timely care across WA.

Book a Confidential Consultation in Bentley, Perth

If you are considering your options or would like more information about medical termination of pregnancy, Athena Women’s Clinic provides private, respectful care in a supportive environment. View our Medical Termination of Pregnancy page for more detail on our care.

Call us on (08) 6116 1285 or visit our Contact Us page to book your appointment.

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Please contact the clinic directly to book an ultrasound appointment.

If you have a referral or anticipate needing an ultrasound in Perth, please reach out to our team to arrange your booking.

Call us at (08) 6116 1285 or email reception@athenawomensclinic.com.au

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