Pregnancy support that puts you first

Children by Choice is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing unbiased information and support on all pregnancy options, including abortion, parenting, and adoption/kinship care. We also offer support for people after an abortion, if needed. Our work is pro-choice and person-centred.

We provide:

• All options pregnancy support that is respectful and non-judgmental
• Evidence-based information about abortion, parenting, and adoption
• Referrals to other services, including healthcare providers, parenting groups, adoption agencies, and organisations that can help with safety, housing, and wellbeing

Since 1972, Children by Choice has supported women and pregnant people across Queensland, as the state’s first dedicated all options pregnancy support service.

We support women and pregnant people from all ages, backgrounds and circumstances who live in Queensland. We also provide post-abortion support regardless of when or where the abortion was accessed.

Every year, close to 2,000 people across Queensland turn to us for information, support, and referrals that respect their choices.

Yes. In October 2018, the Termination of Pregnancy Bill was passed in parliament, decriminalising abortion. The law came into effect in December 2018.

Key points include:

• Abortion is no longer part of the criminal code and is available on request up to 22 weeks gestation.
• After 22 weeks, two medical practitioners must agree that the procedure is appropriate in the circumstances.
• Health practitioners with a conscientious objection must refer the person to another practitioner or service who does not object.
• Safe access zones of 150m apply around termination services.

Before this legislation, abortion was restricted under the Criminal Code. It was generally only considered lawful if it protected the life or health of a pregnant person, and the law dated back to 1899.

When performed by qualified health professionals in proper medical settings, abortions are considered extremely safe, and complications are rare.

Some common myths suggest that abortion causes infertility, breast cancer, or long-term psychological harm. These claims are not supported by medical evidence.

• Fertility: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists confirms that people who have an uncomplicated abortion are not at increased risk of infertility. Serious complications are rare, and in fact are more likely in a pregnancy carried to full term.
• Breast cancer: Global reproductive health and cancer organisations, including the World Health Organisation, confirm there is no link between abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer.

‘Post-abortion syndrome’ is a term often used in misinformation campaigns, but it is not a recognised medical or psychological condition. It does not appear in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or in the World Health Organisation’s classifications.

Extensive research, including a review by the American Psychological Association, has found no evidence that abortion causes long-term emotional or psychological harm. The prevalence of mental health concerns after abortion is similar to that in the general population.

Some people may experience feelings of sadness, grief, or loss after an abortion. Research shows that these outcomes are more strongly linked to factors such as lack of support, secrecy, prior mental health issues, or conflict with personal values rather than the abortion itself.

Studies show that the overwhelming majority of people who have an abortion do not regret their decision.