Status – Legal. No upper gestational limit.

Details – 2 doctors approval required after 16 weeks' gestation.

Conscientious Objection -

Health practitioners may conscientiously object to participating in abortions, including:

  • Performing a termination.
  • Assisting in a termination.

Legal protections:

  • No person is under a duty (by contract, statute, or other law) to participate in a termination if they have a conscientious objection.

Mandatory duties despite objection:

  • Medical practitioners: Must perform a termination in an emergency if it is necessary to save the woman’s life or prevent serious physical injury.
  • Nurses and midwives: Must assist in an emergency termination if necessary to save the woman’s life or prevent serious physical injury.

Referral obligations:

  • If a woman seeks a termination or advice on pregnancy options from a medical practitioner with a conscientious objection, that practitioner must:
    • Provide the woman with a list of prescribed health services that can offer advice, counselling, and information on all pregnancy options.
  • This duty does not apply in emergencies.

Link to legislation –  https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2013-072