Are Abortion Pills Legal in Australia? – Aunty Jane

Yes, abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) are legal in Australia. They can be prescribed by doctors, nurse practitioners, and endorsed midwives and dispensed by all pharmacies nationwide. Access is regulated by state and territory laws, which determine how and when the medication can be used.

How Do Abortion Pills Work?

Medical abortion involves two medications:

Mifepristone – Blocks progesterone, stopping the pregnancy from continuing.
Misoprostol – Taken 24–48 hours later to cause cramping and bleeding, which helps expel the pregnancy.

Abortion pills are approved for use up to 9 weeks (63 days) gestation in Australia.

Where Can You Get Abortion Pills?

Telehealth Services – Many providers offer medical abortion via telehealth, with the medication mailed directly to the patient or picked up at a pharmacy.
Private Clinics- Some private clinics provide medical abortion services, either in person or via telehealth, often with shorter wait times than public hospitals. Some may offer bulk billing options or financial assistance.
Hospitals and Public Clinics – In some states, public hospitals and health services provide free or low-cost medical abortion.

Do You Need a Prescription?

Yes, the medical abortion medication is a prescription-only medication. It is not available over the counter. Only a doctor, nurse practitioner, or endorsed midwife can prescribe this medication.

Cost and Medicare Coverage

The cost of a medical abortion varies from $300 to $800 in private clinics.
Medicare rebates reduce costs for eligible patients.
Some public health services provide free or low-cost abortion care, depending on the state.

Is Medical Abortion Available in Every State?

Yes, medical abortion is legally available in all Australian states and territories, but each jurisdiction has different regulations around prescribing.

What If You Need an Abortion After 9 Weeks?

After 9 weeks, surgical abortion is required.
Availability of surgical abortion depends on state laws and provider access.

Where to Get Help

For information and access to abortion pills, contact:

1800 My Options (VIC) – 1800 696 784
Children by Choice (QLD) – 1800 177 725
Family Planning NSW – 1300 658 886
SHINE SA (SA) – 1300 794 584
Sexual Health Victoria – 03 9257 0100
Healthdirect Australia – 1800 022 222

Final Thoughts

Abortion pills are legal and widely accessible across Australia. If you are considering a medical abortion, seek accurate information and professional guidance to ensure safe and appropriate care.

The information provided on this website by Aunty Jane in any format or medium, are for general information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The information made available by Aunty Jane do not provide personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To the extent permitted by law, Aunty Jane disclaims all liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information provided. For specific medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). Medical abortion: What you need to know. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/pregnancy/abortion-medical
Children by Choice. (n.d.). Medical abortion in Australia: Access and availability. https://www.childrenbychoice.org.au/factsheets/medical-abortion-australia
Healthdirect Australia. (2023, May 17). Abortion pills: How they work and where to get them in Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/abortion-pills-australia
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2023). Abortion care: Clinical guidelines for medical abortion. RANZCOG. https://www.ranzcog.edu.au/abortion-care
Western Australia Department of Health. (2024, March 15). Medical abortion services in WA: Guidelines for patients. https://www.health.wa.gov.au/articles/a_e/abortion