Status – Legal. No upper gestational limit.

Details – 2 doctors approval required after 22 weeks' gestation.

Conscientious Objection -

Registered health practitioners may conscientiously object to abortion-related services, including:

  • Performing or assisting in a termination.
  • Advising about a termination.
  • Participating in decisions about termination beyond 22 weeks.

Legal obligations when objecting:

If a practitioner has a conscientious objection, they must:

  1. Disclose the objection to the person making the request.
  2. If the request comes directly from the pregnant woman to perform or advise on a termination, the objecting practitioner must:
    • Refer the woman to another health practitioner who does not object; or
    • Transfer her care to a health service or facility where such services can be accessed by a non-objecting provider.

Emergency exception:

  • All health practitioners must provide care in an emergency where the termination is necessary to save the woman’s life, regardless of personal objection.

Professional accountability:

  • Failing to comply with these provisions may be considered a breach of professional conduct or performance standards, and may be subject to investigation by health regulatory authorities.

Link to legislation – https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/act-2018-023