For some people, the choice feels clear. For others, it takes time and can feel overwhelming. You are the expert in your own life, and only you know what feels right for you. There is no right or wrong decision. All pregnancy outcomes are normal.
What are my pregnancy options?
For some people, the choice feels clear. For others, it takes time and can feel overwhelming. You are the expert in your own life, and only you know what feels right for you. There is no right or wrong decision. All pregnancy outcomes are normal.
In Australia, it’s your right to make decisions about your body, your pregnancy, and your future. We’re here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based information so you can make the decision that’s best for you.
Abortion
It is important to note, that while abortion is legal in Queensland until 22 weeks, accessibility of procedure choices are heavily impacted by gestation and location. If considering abortion connecting with a supportive service to understand what is locally available will provide you with more procedural choices.
Yes. Both medication and surgical abortions are safe when provided by trained health professionals. Most people recover quickly and can return to normal activities within a day or two.
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.
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.
Public hospital abortions are usually bulk-billed for Medicare card holders. You’ll need a GP referral that includes pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound results.
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.
Children by Choice can offer limited financial assistance for people who do not have access to public care or Medicare. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more
A medical abortion involves taking prescribed medication (MS2Step) to end a pregnancy up to 9 weeks (63 days). Only some medical professionals can prescribe the medication, such as GPs, Nurse Practitioners and Endorsed Midwives.
Typical medication costs:
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.
Children by Choice can offer limited financial assistance for people who do not have access to public care or Medicare. Visit our Financial Aid page to learn more.
In addition to the procedure itself, there may be indirect costs such as:
These can add up, so it may help to plan ahead or speak with Children by Choice for advice about low-cost or no-cost services.
A follow-up appointment is a REALLY 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
While abortion is legal in Australia this doesn’t mean that all health professionals provide abortion care. Some health professionals don’t provide abortion care due to their own personal beliefs, this is called conscientious objection. However regardless of the health professionals beliefs and values they are required by law to ensure that you are able to access the care you are requesting. It is not lawful for health providers to delay or provide misinformation about abortion care.
Adoption and kinship care
There are different care pathways in Queensland to support children and families, depending on your situation and what feels right for you. Each option offers a different level of permanency and involvement.
A legal process where parental rights and responsibilities are permanently transferred from the birth parents to adoptive parents. Adoption can only be arranged through Adoption Services Queensland and is permanent once finalised.
Before deciding, parents are encouraged to think through all care options and talk with family and trusted supports.
The Adoption Act 2009 requires parents to receive full information before they can give consent, including:
The adoption process and what it may mean for you, your child, and your family in the future
Learn about adoption on Adoption Services Queensland website
Parents cannot sign an Adoption Consent form until at least 30 days after the birth of the child and at least 14 days after receiving information and pre-consent counselling.
After signing, parents have 30 days to revoke an Adoption Consent form. If revoked, the child must be returned to the parent’s care as soon as possible. Our team can help connect you with Adoption Services in Queensland.
Kinship care is a care arrangement where a child is cared for by relatives, close friends or members of their community. Carers may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, or other trusted adults.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, kinship care may include carers from the child’s community or language group.
For more information check out Queensland Governments website. Our team can help connect you with legal services for more information or legal advice.
Foster care is a short or long-term care provided by trained carers when family-based or kinship care isn’t possible. Short-term care are up to two years while working towards reunification with family, while long-term care provides a stable home until the child turns 18.
Alternative care may include:
If you are considering adoption, kinship or alternative care, our team can connect you to the right services.
Parenting
Parenting is the most common choice for women and pregnant people in Australia when they find out they are pregnant unexpectedly.
Some people know right away that they want to continue the pregnancy and become a parent maybe because they have always wanted children, or life feels ready for it. For others, this decision can be more difficult. There is no right or wrong choice.
If you are thinking about continuing the pregnancy and becoming a parent (or becoming a parent again), you might have many things to think about. You might be wondering:
You might also be thinking about your feelings and values around the other pregnancy options, and what your family, friends, community, or culture believe about pregnancy and parenting. Whatever your situation, there are now more options and supports for parents than ever before.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Many people raise children on their own or in blended families. If you want to continue the pregnancy but are worried about emotional or financial support there is help available such as Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline – Australia’s leading pregnancy and baby website, supporting parents on the journey from pregnancy to preschool.
Explore your pregnancy options
Your options and support can look different depending on your circumstances, health, and personal values. The links below cover everything you need to know about pregnancy choices in Queensland, including abortion, adoption, and where to find safe, confidential help.
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.
Learn more
Information on abortion in Queensland
Learn about abortion access, services and support available in Queensland.
Learn more
What to do if you are considering abortion
Learn what steps to take if you are thinking about abortion and how to access confidential, professional support in Queensland.
Learn more
How do I know how many weeks pregnant I am?
Use our simple pregnancy calculator to estimate gestation and learn what care or options may be available to you.
Learn more
Adoption and Kinship Care
Understand the adoption process, kinship care arrangements, and post-adoption support services available across Queensland.
Learn more
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:
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Abortion is legal in Queensland and regulated under the Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018. You can legally access abortion up to 22 weeks’ gestation, and after 22 weeks with approval from two doctors if clinically appropriate.
There are two main types of abortion:
Costs vary depending on the type of abortion, gestation, and where you receive care. Public hospitals may offer free abortions to eligible patients, while private clinics typically cost significantly more. You can find more detailed information on our “How Much Does an Abortion Cost?” page.
Some public hospitals in Queensland provide abortion services at no cost to eligible patients. However, access can vary between regions and may require a GP referral.
Once pregnancy is confirmed, medical abortion can usually be done up to nine weeks, and surgical abortion from around six weeks onward. Early access is safe and can reduce costs and stress.
If you’re unsure whether to continue or end a pregnancy, you can talk with a counsellor for free, confidential and unbiased support.
Our team can help you explore all options, including parenting, adoption and abortion.
You can find local clinics, hospitals and telehealth providers on our Find a Health Service page, or contact Children by Choice for personalised help.
Abortion care and counselling are confidential. You can also ask your healthcare provider not to record details of your appointment or prescription on your My Health Record if privacy is important to you.
Resources & information
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