Abortion/termination of pregnancy

Abortion/termination of pregnancy is legal in NSW under certain circumstances as long as it’s performed by a registered doctor. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to access an abortion clinic.

Read more about the law in NSW for abortions/termination of pregnancy.

Covering the cost

Australian residents and others who are eligible for Medicare may have their termination of pregnancy costs covered in full or partially, depending on the service provider.

International students

• Standard Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will usually cover the cost of abortions after your first 12 months in Australia.
• Health insurers can waive this 12-month policy in certain circumstances – you’ll need your doctor to certify (and the OSHC provider to agree) that termination of pregnancy is required.
• The extent of cover by your OSHC will vary according to the type of procedure administered.
• Standard OSHC should include emergency ambulance cover if the ambulance is medically necessary for admission to hospital or emergency treatment.

Note: this is general information. Check with your OSHC provider about your specific insurance coverage.

Finding a clinic

When deciding on a clinic, consider:

• the availability of counselling
• the costs/fees
• whether they provide medical and/or surgical abortion
• appointment waiting times
• the availability of female and male doctors
• whether they have an after-hours number to call for any post-procedure concerns or questions
• whether staff show respect for clients
• how they handle confidentiality

We caution all students against using services that don’t comply with NSW Health guidelines.

The following clinics in Sydney offer non-judgmental and comprehensive information and support; counselling by qualified pregnancy counsellors; and follow NSW health guidelines.

Marie Stopes Australia clinics
Marie Stopes was a British birth control campaigner whose work expanded to many countries.
Suite 3, Level 8, 187 Macquarie Street, Sydney (also at Westmead, Penrith and Newcastle)
1300 323 197 (for all locations)

The Private Clinic
120 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills
(02) 9690 0000
(information in Chinese and various languages)

Clinic 66
31 Bertram Street, Chatswood
(02) 9411 3411

Macquarie Street Clinic
Level 1, 195 Macquarie Street, Sydney
(02) 9221 1933
(information in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese)

Blue Water Medical
Run by Dr. Sue Brumby who has 30 years of experience working in abortion and women’s health. Vasectomies also provided. Clinic locations are:
Macquarie Fields: (02) 9605 2247
Coffs Harbour: (02) 6651 5037

Gynaecology Centres Australia
Run by Dr Meaghan Heckenberg who has been providing abortion services for many years. Vasectomies also provided. Centres in Sydney, Canberra, Gosford, Newcastle, and Wollongong.
(02) 9585 9599 (Sydney)

Decide carefully

We recommend that you take the time to make your decision and read the abortion services’ websites. Phone or email the service with any questions you may have about the procedure, costs, or the service itself.

Disclaimer

This information is current as at December 2019 and where it includes legal information is intended as a guide to the law as it applies to people who live in or are affected by the law as it applies in NSW. It does not constitute legal advice.

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Last updated February 2020