What to do if you are considering an abortion
WHAT TO DO
If you are pregnant and considering abortion, it can be difficult to know what to do first. This guide explains the main steps for accessing abortion care in Queensland – from confirming your pregnancy and choosing a method, to arranging care and support afterwards.
If you are unsure where to start, our counselors can help you understand your options and find safe, confidential care.
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Step 1: Confirming your pregnancy
The first step is to have your pregnancy confirmed by a doctor or GP. This will determine how far along you are (gestation) and rule out any health complications that might affect your choice of abortion method.
You can expect:
Some clinics and GPs offer bulk-billed services, while others may charge a Medicare gap fee.
If you need to find a supportive GP or service, visit Find a Health Service
Step 2: Choosing an abortion procedure
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical.
The option that’s right for you may depend on your gestation, health, location, and personal preference.
If you’re not sure which option to choose, speak with your GP or contact Children by Choice on 1800 177 725.
Medical abortion
A medical abortion involves taking prescribed medication (MS2Step) to end a pregnancy up to 9 weeks (63 days). Only accredited GPs or clinics can prescribe this medication.
Typical medication costs:
Additional costs for consultations or ultrasounds may apply.
For more detail, see How much does an abortion cost?
Surgical abortion
A surgical abortion is a safe and simple day procedure available from around 6 weeks gestation.
In Queensland, surgical abortions may be offered up to about 22 weeks in some private clinics.
Public hospitals may provide abortion care at no cost for eligible patients with a Medicare card, while private clinic fees vary.
To understand costs and availability, visit:
Step 3: Deciding between public hospital and private clinic care
Public hospitals
Public hospital abortions are usually bulk-billed for Medicare card holders.
You’ll need a GP referral that includes pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound results.
Appointments are generally available within 1–4 weeks of referral. Some Hospital and Health Services (HHS) also work with private clinics, with the public system covering the cost of care.
Find out more about public pathways here:
Queensland Public Pathways for Abortion
If you need help navigating the process, Children by Choice can explain your options and eligibility.
Private clinics
Private clinics often provide same-day testing and procedures, meaning you may not need separate appointments for ultrasounds or blood tests.
They can be a faster option, but are generally more expensive.
Some private clinics have restrictions, for example if you are under 14 years old, have health complications, or a high BMI – in these cases, a public hospital may be more appropriate.
Children by Choice can offer limited financial assistance for people who do not have access to public care or Medicare.
Step 4: Follow-up care and contraception
A follow-up appointment is an important part of abortion care. It confirms that the abortion is complete and gives you an opportunity to discuss recovery or contraception options.
Follow-ups usually occur about 4 weeks after the procedure.
Many clinics and hospitals offer long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as an IUD or implant, at low or no cost immediately after an abortion.
If you need help finding a supportive GP or clinic, visit Find a Health Service
Additional considerations
In addition to procedure costs, you may need to plan for:
If you live more than 50 km from your nearest public hospital, you may be eligible for help under the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.
For more on costs, visit How much does an abortion cost?
After an abortion
Who chooses to have an abortion?
In their lifetime, up to one in three Australian women and people who can become pregnant will choose to have an abortion, for many different reasons.
People who choose abortion come from all walks of life, backgrounds, and beliefs.
Whatever your situation, you are not alone in your decision.
How you might feel afterwards
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after an abortion, such as:
Relief • Sadness • Empowerment • Loss • Anger • Regret • Happiness • Feeling overwhelmed
There is no right or wrong way to feel. Emotions may also change as your body experiences a hormonal shift after a medication or surgical abortion.
It can help to talk to someone you trust, take time for self-care, or remind yourself why you made your decision.
If you are struggling, Children by Choice can provide up to ten free counselling sessions.
If you ever feel unsafe or in crisis, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Getting support
Abortion care and recovery are personal experiences, and support is available every step of the way.
At Children by Choice, our counsellors can help you:
Call 1800 177 725 or contact our counselling team online.
Explore more about abortion
Abortion care in Australia can vary between states and territories. The links below cover everything you need to know about accessing abortion safely in Queensland, understanding the laws, costs and finding support and clinics across the country.
Abortion laws for each state
Understand abortion laws in Queensland and how they differ across other Australian states and territories.
Learn more
How much does an abortion cost?
See how much an abortion may cost, including information for Queensland and other states.
Learn more
Information on abortion in Queensland
Learn about abortion access, services and support available in Queensland.
Learn more
Medical abortion
Find out how medical abortion works, when it is available and what to expect.
Learn more
Surgical abortion
Learn what happens during a surgical abortion and where you can access this service.
Learn more
Find a Medical Provider
Access our directory of trusted clinics and doctors who provide safe, respectful abortion, contraception, and reproductive healthcare.
Find a Provider
Find your nearest Health Service
Search our network of trusted, pro-choice providers across Queensland.
Whether you’re looking for contraception, abortion care, or general reproductive health services, our map helps you locate:
Queensland Wide Pregnancy Support Services
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