Western Australia's historic abortion reform now in effect
Western Australia’s new abortion laws are now in effect, cementing access to equitable and improved healthcare for women across the State.
The new laws decriminalise abortion, remove clinically unnecessary barriers for women and bring Western Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions.
Public consultation showed widespread support from both health professionals and the community for these historic reforms, which will:
- reduce the number of health practitioners required to be involved in most abortions from two to one;
- allow nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe abortion drugs within their scope of practice;
- remove the requirement for mandatory counselling; and
- remove the requirement for Ministerial approval for a health service to perform late abortions.
Health practitioners are permitted to conscientiously object, but they are required to refer the patient to another practitioner or provide information on where to access care.
The gestational limit at which additional requirements apply has been changed from 20 to 23 weeks to best reflect current clinical practice and better align with other jurisdictions.
More information can be found from a medical practitioner, or on the HealthyWA website: Abortion in Western Australia (healthywa.wa.gov.au)
Other resources: