What are my abortion options?

There are two types of abortion in the ACT. These are:

The type you have depends on the gestation of the pregnancy, your health and medical history, your preference, and the doctor or service you go to get an abortion.

Gestation is the amount of time since you became pregnant.

Abortion is free for all people who live in the ACT.

If you do not live in the ACT, the type of abortion you have may also depend on the cost.

Use the links this page to understand the differences between early medication and surgical abortion.

You can also use the links to find out more about what to expect with each type of abortion.

Up to 9 weeks gestation

GP's

You can have either type of abortion when the gestation of the pregnancy is 9 weeks or less. You cannot have an early medication abortion after 9 weeks gestation.

You can have an early medication abortion at specific GPs for free if you live in the ACT.

You can get an appointment with these GPs quickly because having an early medication abortion is time sensitive.

You can find more information about all GPs and services providing free abortion here.

Surgical abortion

You can also have an early medication or a surgical abortion, at MSI Australia. MSI Australia is a private clinic specialising in abortions.

MSI Australia can provide early medication abortion either in a clinic or by telehealth. Telehealth is where you see a doctor by a phone or video consultation.

Having an abortion at MSI Australia is free if you live in the ACT.

Telehealth services

There are other GPs who provide early medication abortion in the ACT, in New South Wales and through telehealth services. They may advertise abortion on their websites.

You will need to pay to see these GPs. Find out more on our costs page.

From 9 weeks up to 14-16 weeks gestation

You can have a surgical abortion at MSI Australia. Having a surgical abortion at MSI Australia is free if you live in the ACT.

You cannot have an early medication abortion after 9 weeks gestation.

Sometimes, you cannot have a surgical abortion after 12 weeks gestation at MSI Australia. This is because some specialised doctors are not always available.

You can call MSI Australia to check if a surgical abortion after 12 weeks is available.

You can also have a surgical abortion until 12 weeks gestation at Gynaecology Centres Australia.

Gynaecology Centres Australia is another private clinic in Queanbeyan that specialising in abortion. This is not free for ACT residents.

If you are having trouble getting a surgical abortion at MSI Australia, or if the gestation is after 14-16 weeks, we recommend calling Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT) Pregnancy Options Counselling Service.

The Pregnancy Options Counselling Service can give you information about your options and support to access them. You can find more information here or call 6247 3077.