Status – Legal. No upper gestational limit.

Details – 2 doctors approval required after 23 weeks gestation.

Safe access zone – 150 meters.

Conscientious Objection -

Western Australia Abortion Legislation Reform Act 2023

Registered health practitioners may conscientiously object to:

  • Performing an abortion.
  • Assisting in an abortion.
  • Making clinical decisions about whether an abortion is appropriate (e.g., post-23 weeks approvals).
  • Advising a person about abortion.

Obligations when objecting:

If a practitioner refuses due to conscientious objection, they must:

  1. Disclose their objection immediately to the requesting person.
  2. If a medical or prescribing practitioner refuses to perform, decide on, or advise about abortion, they must either:
    • Transfer care to another practitioner or facility they reasonably believe can provide the service, or
    • Provide the patient with up-to-date official information (approved by the Chief Health Officer) on how to locate a non-objecting provider or facility.

Emergency exception:

  • Conscientious objection does not apply in emergencies. Practitioners must provide treatment if required to save the patient’s life or prevent serious harm.

Students:

  • Health professional students may also conscientiously object to assisting in abortions.
  • Must disclose their objection to their supervising practitioner if asked to assist.

Professional accountability:

  • Non-compliance with referral, transfer, or emergency obligations may be considered a breach of professional conduct.

 Link to legislation –