New Abortion Laws Australia 2025 : Everything You Need to Know
- Dr Emma Boulton
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
You might have heard there have been some changes to abortion laws in Australia.
The first thing you need to know is that abortion has now been decriminalised in all states and territories in Australia, and you have the right to seek termination of your pregnancy.
The new Australian abortion laws contain some key changes in NSW and WA, for both women and healthcare providers, and with some variation between states :
Here’s a quick overview of some of the changes :
Abortion is now a healthcare issue, not a criminal one.
Nurse practitioners and midwives can prescribe medical abortions up to 9 weeks.
Women are no longer required to undergo counselling before an abortion.
Post-reform, the law differs slightly state-to-state regarding the weeks of gestational limits and the exact process by which abortion can be sought.
Let’s break down exactly what changes have been made, and what they mean for you.
If you are pregnant and want to know your options, Clinic 66 can help you access both surgical abortions and medical abortions.
We are proud to offer a wide range sexual health services, as well as services in support for men and women’s health, including cervical cancer screenings and menopause treatments.
We provide a judgement-free, inclusive space where your health is prioritised and your needs are heard.
What are the new abortion laws?
As of October 2025, several Australian states and territories have enacted significant reforms and new abortion laws.
All of the legislation that passed has made accessing abortion more straightforward, but it’s also worth knowing about proposed bills that were ultimately not enacted.
For example, in South Australia, a new piece of legislation was proposed in September 2024 that would require individuals seeking an abortion after 28 weeks of pregnancy to instead give birth.
These late-term abortions accounted for less than 1% of all terminations performed, and were almost exclusively undergone due to foetal abnormalities or risks to the mother's health. The bill was narrowly defeated.
Understanding the legal landscape is essential for knowing and protecting your rights.
State-by-state overview of the new abortion laws in Australia
The above amendments form part of a wider legislative backdrop concerning abortion and its accessibility.
No matter where you live in Australia, it’s essential to know the laws, both those that pertain to you, and those practised in neighbouring states.
These laws tell you what you’re entitled to, what services your GP can provide, and what you need to do to access these services, should you need them.
Key differences in the new Australian abortion laws
For those who need to access abortion services, the differences are largely positive.
Here’s a quick breakdown in the states that have been impacted by reform :
In NSW :
Unnecessary reporting has been eliminated. Prior to the reform, providers were required report the reason for the abortion, the gestational age of the pregnancy, and other personal patient details. Healthcare providers, particularly smaller clinics or individual practitioners, were reluctant to offer abortion services because the extra administrative work could be time-consuming and invasive. The hope is that removing the requirement increases accessibility.
Nurse practitioners and certain midwives can prescribe medical abortions up to 9 weeks gestation. Previously, only doctors were allowed to prescribe medical abortions, limiting access, especially in rural or regional areas where doctors could be scarce. Nurse practitioners and midwives are often more available in underserved or remote areas, making this change crucial for improving healthcare access in those regions.
Mandatory referrals by conscientious objectors have been removed. In the past, healthcare providers who were personally opposed to abortion for moral or religious reasons were still required to refer patients to another provider who would perform the abortion. This was intended to ensure that women could still access the procedure even if their primary healthcare provider objected to it, but the end result was that women experienced unwanted delays. Following the reforms, women can now approach any provider without having to rely on a referral from an objecting doctor, streamlining the process and reducing barriers.
In Western Australia :
Abortion has been officially decriminalised. Before the reform, abortion in Western Australia was still considered a criminal act under the Criminal Code, although it could be performed legally under certain circumstances (such as when the woman's life was at risk or in cases of foetal abnormality). It goes without saying that this made it difficult for doctors and clinics to offer the service without fear of prosecution.
Healthcare providers can prescribe medical abortions. Before these changes, medical abortions (using abortion pills) could only be prescribed by a doctor, creating limited access, particularly in rural areas or where there were shortages of doctors willing to perform the procedure.
A healthcare-based framework has been established under the Public Health Act 2016. Decriminalising abortion meant that abortion regulation shifted to the Public Health Act 2016, and it will be treated as a healthcare issue from here on out, ensuring that the process adheres to safety, medical standards, and best practices.
Mandatory counselling has been removed. Before the reform, WA women seeking an abortion were required to undergo mandatory counselling. The goal was to ensure the patient was fully informed and to prevent hasty decisions, but many advocates argued that the counselling requirement was an additional barrier for women, especially when it wasn’t necessary for other medical procedures. Additionally, some felt it added unnecessary delays and emotional distress for those who had already made their decision.
If you need to know more, Clinic 66 can help
Clinic 66 is a women-led abortion clinic that puts patients first.
If you have further questions about new laws on abortion, if you’re concerned about how changing legislation might impact you, or if you’re pregnant and want to discuss your options, we can help.
As a leading sexual health clinic, our multi-disciplined and specialised team believes that reproductive health should be accessible to all, which is why we offer :
Limited wait times
Telehealth options
Medicare rebates
For many women, abortion is a difficult and emotional step. At Clinic 66, you will receive professional, compassionate support as we discuss your options and help you reach a decision that is right for you.
There are a number of factors that might weigh into your choice, but ultimately it comes down to you—this is your body, and your life.
No referral is needed to speak to us. Call today and speak to our team.
Comments