Abortion (Termination of Pregnancy)

Abortion is legal in NSW under certain circumstances. You do not need a doctor’s referral to access an abortion clinic.

When deciding on a clinic, issues to consider are:

• availability of counselling
• cost/fees
• provision of medical and surgical abortion
• appointment waiting time
• availability of female and male doctors
• provision of an after-hours number to call for any post-procedure concerns
• staff respect for clients

Australian residents and others who are eligible for Medicare may have their abortion costs covered in full or partially, depending on the service provider. The following clinics in Sydney offer non-judgmental and comprehensive information and support, counselling by qualified pregnancy counsellors, and follow NSW health guidelines.

Sydney Abortion Clinic
31 Bertram Street, Chatswood
(02) 9411 3411
http://www.abortionsydney.com.au/

Macquarie Street Clinic
Level 1/195 Macquarie St, Sydney
(02) 9221 1933
http://www.contraceptiveservices.com/
(information in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese)

The Private Clinic
120 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
(02) 9690 0000
https://www.privateclinic.com.au/
(information in Chinese and various languages)

Dr. Marie clinics
Marie Stopes was a British birth control campaigner whose work expanded to many countries.
Suite 1401, Level 14, 187 Macquarie St, Sydney (also at Westmead, Penrith and Newcastle)
1300 863 549 (for all locations)
https://www.mariestopes.org.au/

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
https://www.bluewatermedical.com.au/

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)
https://gcaus.com.au/

Exercise caution: There are some individual GPs performing abortions who do not see themselves as part of a network of abortion providing services. SUPRA recommends 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.

International students

SUPRA cautions international students against using services that do not comply with NSW Health guidelines.

• Standard 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 will 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.