ABORTION INFORMATION WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Abortion Law in Western Australia
Until May 1998 abortion was illegal in W.A. under Sections 199, 200 and 201 of the W.A. criminal code. Women and their doctors risked prosecution and 14 years in jail.
Now abortion is legal in W.A. if performed by a qualified medical practitioner, provided that a doctor is consulted, counselling is offered and the woman gives her informed consent. A second doctor then carries out the abortion.
However, under Section 199 of the Criminal Code, doctors can still be fined $50 000 if they do not fulfil these conditions. Women no longer face prosecution.
Click here to read a summary of the current
W.A. legislation on abortion.
Did You Know?
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Over 8,000 abortions are performed in Western Australia each year.
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Research shows that women who freely choose abortion do not regret their decision. (Women's experiences of seeking abortion in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania (1985-1992) Drs Ryan, Ripper, Buttfield, Flinders University)
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Abortion performed by qualified doctors is a safe procedure, but on a global scale over 200,000 women each year die from botched illegal "backyard" abortions (World Health Organisation).
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Over the years Australian opinion polls show a majority of Australians have continued to support women's access to safe and legal abortion. (81.2% of Australians strongly agree or agree that women should have the right to choose abortion. Australian Survey of Social Attitudes 2003 Australian National University)
Further reading on abortion is available.