The information contained on this page is related to Western Australian laws and regulations. If you are located outside WA, contact your state’s Family Planning Association.
Abortions are safe and common, and you can access the medical procedure up to 23 weeks of pregnancy in Western Australia. Beyond 23 weeks, a medical practitioner can provide an abortion if another medical practitioner agrees that an abortion is appropriate in all the circumstances.
You can access an abortion at some public hospitals, private clinics, community health organisations and some GP clinics.
Visit find a service or call 1800 424 642 to find an abortion provider
Abortion was decriminalised in 2023 with the passing of the Abortion Legislation Reform Bill.
“I’m under 18, can I get an abortion without telling my parents?”
People under 18 years of age can access an abortion without the involvement of a parent or guardian if they can understand and consent to their own medical treatment. If a person is not able to understand or provide their own consent, other parties may need to be involved.
The friendly nurses at 1800 4 Choice (1800 424 642) can help you navigate this process.
If your doctor or nurse has raised concerns about your ability to understand the decision to have an abortion, you can call Legal Aid WA for advice.
Do I need a referral to get an abortion?
You don't need a referral from your GP or health practitioner to have an abortion.
This means you can contact an abortion provider directly to find out about abortion services that meet your needs.
I'm more than 23 weeks pregnant, what are my options?
Abortion can be performed beyond 23 weeks gestation if two doctors agree the procedure is appropriate.
If your pregnancy has progressed beyond 23 weeks, you can call 1800 4 Choice, discuss with your GP, or contact the Pregnancy Choices and Abortion Care team at King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Can my doctor refuse to help me get an abortion?
Doctors can refuse to provide abortion services, but they must tell you as soon as possible that they are not abortion providers AND either:
Refer you to another doctor who can provide abortion services OR
Give you reliable and accurate information about abortion in WA
What if my doctor or nurse still refuses to help?
All Western Australians are entitled to safe abortion services by a qualified healthcare provider.
If you have been denied care or have a concern about a health practitioner, you can call 1800 4 Choice for support.
You can also report your concerns to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Will there be protesters outside of the abortion clinic?
People in Western Australia have the legal right to access an abortion safely and privately.
Public Health Amendment (Safe Access Zones) Act 2021 prohibits the following behaviour within 150m of any facility providing abortion services:
besetting, harassing, intimidating, interfering with, threatening, hindering and obstructing or impeding a person accessing premises at which abortions are provided; or
communicating by any means in relation to abortion in a manner that can be seen or heard by a person accessing the premises and is reasonably likely to cause distress or anxiety; or
impeding a footpath, road or vehicle in relation to abortion, without reasonable excuse; or
recording by any means another person accessing premises at which abortions are provided, without reasonable excuse or without that other person's consent.
Anyone seen violating the Safe Access Zone laws can be reported to the Western Australian Police.
