Abortion is legal in Western Australia up to 23 weeks of pregnancy under the Public Health Act 2016 (updated March 2024) — no referral is required and counselling is not mandatory. Care can be provided by GPs, nurse practitioners, and endorsed midwives, including medical termination at Athena Women's Clinic in Bentley, Perth.
Abortion laws in Western Australia allow access to care up to 23 weeks of pregnancy under the Public Health Act 2016, updated by the Abortion Legislation Reform Act 2023 (effective March 2024). No referral is required, counselling is not mandatory, and care can be provided by GPs, nurse practitioners, and endorsed midwives — including at Athena Women's Clinic in Bentley, Perth.
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can bring up a lot of questions. Abortion laws in Western Australia are regulated by clear public health legislation — understanding them helps you feel more informed and confident about your options.
Below, we walk through the current laws, what changed under the 2023 reforms, and how Athena Women's Clinic in Bentley can support you through this process.
Is Abortion Legal in Western Australia?
Yes. The Public Health Act 2016 now governs abortion in WA, following reforms under the Abortion Legislation Reform Act 2023. As a result, abortion is no longer part of the Criminal Code, and accessing this care is now treated as standard women's healthcare.
The reforms came into effect in March 2024. They reduced the number of health practitioners required for most abortions from two to one, and removed the requirement for mandatory counselling beforehand.
What Is the Gestational Limit for Abortion in WA?
Under current WA abortion law, you can request a termination up to 23 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond this point, an abortion may still be possible, but requires additional clinical assessment in line with the legislation.
What Is the Difference Between Medical and Surgical Abortion?
Medical abortion uses two medications taken primarily at home after an in-clinic consultation, while surgical abortion is a short procedure performed at a clinic or hospital under anaesthetic. Both may be available depending on gestation. Here is a summary:
| Factor | Medical Abortion (MS-2 Step) | Surgical Abortion |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Two medications — taken at home after an in-clinic consultation | A brief clinical procedure under local or general anaesthetic |
| Available up to | 9 weeks (63 days) gestation | Up to 23 weeks (with appropriate clinical assessment) |
| Where it happens | Mostly at home after an in-clinic appointment | At a clinic or hospital |
| Recovery | Cramping and bleeding over several days, similar to a heavy period | Generally shorter physical recovery |
| Available at Athena | Yes — Dr. Soma is a registered MS-2 Step prescriber | Referral provided if required |
How Long Does a Medical Abortion Take?
A medical abortion using MS-2 Step typically spans one to two days between the two medications, with bleeding continuing for several days afterward. The first tablet (mifepristone) is taken at the clinic; the second (misoprostol) is taken at home 24 to 48 hours later. A follow-up consultation or ultrasound is recommended 1 to 2 weeks after to confirm everything is complete.
Medical Abortion Timing
MS-2 Step is TGA-authorised up to nine weeks (63 days) gestation. The right option depends on how far along you are, which your doctor can confirm with a consultation and ultrasound.
Your Right to Access Care Safely
Western Australia has safe access zone laws in place. A protected zone applies around any premises providing abortion services — within this zone, harassment, intimidation, or obstruction is a legal offence. These laws protect your privacy and safety when attending an appointment.
Your appointment is confidential. Your medical termination assessment is subject to standard medical confidentiality, as with all GP consultations. Information is only shared with other treating practitioners with your consent.
What Did the 2023 WA Abortion Law Reforms Change?
The Abortion Legislation Reform Act 2023 made several key changes, effective March 2024:
- Abortion was removed from the Criminal Code and placed under the Public Health Act 2016 as standard healthcare
- The number of required practitioners was reduced from two to one for most procedures
- Mandatory counselling was removed as a legal requirement — support remains available but is never compulsory
- Nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives were authorised to prescribe medical abortion medication within their scope of practice
- The on-request gestational limit was confirmed at 23 weeks
Can I Access Abortion Services via Telehealth in WA?
In some circumstances, yes. An initial telehealth consultation may be possible for early medical abortion, subject to clinical eligibility. However, an in-person visit is usually required to confirm gestation via ultrasound before medication can be safely prescribed. Call Athena Women's Clinic on (08) 6116 1285 to discuss your circumstances.
What Happens at a Medical Termination Consultation?
At Athena Women's Clinic, your first appointment is a thorough, confidential consultation. Our GP will review your medical history, confirm your pregnancy with an in-clinic ultrasound, and walk through all available options based on your gestation and circumstances.
Our team includes Dr. Soma — a qualified GP Obstetrician and registered MS-2 Step prescriber — meaning medical termination care can be managed within our clinic from assessment through to follow-up. Our team can also discuss contraception options to support your ongoing wellbeing.
How to Access a Medical Termination at Athena Women's Clinic
The right pathway depends on your gestation, health history, and individual circumstances. Here is what to expect:
- Step 1 — Contact us: No referral is needed. Call (08) 6116 1285 or use our contact form to arrange your first appointment.
- Step 2 — Your consultation: Your GP will take a full medical history, confirm your pregnancy via ultrasound, and discuss all options.
- Step 3 — Your care plan: If medical termination is appropriate, Dr. Soma can manage your care from assessment through to follow-up, all within the clinic.
- Step 4 — Follow-up: A follow-up consultation or ultrasound is recommended 1 to 2 weeks after to confirm everything is complete.
Athena Women's Clinic works alongside our sister clinics. For regenerative skin, hair & body treatments see Athena Wellness; for pregnancy & pelvic imaging see Athena Women's Ultrasound.
