Status – Legal. No upper gestational limit.

Details – Only one doctor required for approval.

Conscientious Objection -

Health professionals may conscientiously object to participating in abortion services, including: Prescribing, supplying, or administering abortifacients.

  • Performing or assisting in surgical abortions.

Exceptions – No right to refuse in the following cases:

  • Emergency: Must provide or assist in abortion if necessary to preserve the life of the mother.
  • Post-abortion care: Must provide medical treatment for complications resulting from an abortion, regardless of objection.

Legal protection:

  • No legal or contractual breach occurs for refusing to provide abortion services due to a conscientious objection.

Mandatory duties when refusing:

  • Inform the patient of your objection immediately.
  • Refer or direct the patient by either:
    • Providing contact details for a non-objecting practitioner or facility; or
    • Transferring care to such a provider or facility.

Practical point - after 16 weeks' lack of available practitioner means women require referral interstate.

Link to legislation - https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1993-13/