Terminating (ending) a pregnancy

• The decision to end your pregnancy is your decision.
• It should be based on your needs and circumstances.
• When making your decision, you may like to talk with family, friends, a counsellor or a doctor.
• If you are not sure how long you have been pregnant, see a doctor.
• It’s best to do this as soon as you can.
• The sooner you see a doctor, the more options you’ll have.

Download a brochure about your pregnancy options.

Download a fact sheet about terminating (ending) a pregnancy.

Download a summary of the law for termination in Tasmania.

Prescribed health services

Prescribed health services offer free information, advice and counselling about the full range of pregnancy options.

Termination options

You can end your pregnancy through:

• medical termination (taking special medication)
• surgery (an operation).

Your doctor or prescribed health service can advise which option is best for you.

Medical termination

Medical termination (taking medication to end your pregnancy) is available for people up to nine weeks (63 days) pregnant. Your doctor may be able to provide this service, and it is also available through:

• Family Planning Tasmania
• Marie Stopes Australia

Surgical termination of pregnancy

• A surgical termination is usually performed in the first trimester (up to 12–14 weeks pregnant).
• It’s performed as a day surgery procedure in a clinic. You can go home after a few hours.
• Surgical termination of pregnancy is accessible through the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, and North West Regional Hospital.
• Talk to your doctor or prescribed health service for more information.

Frequently asked questions

What if my doctor doesn’t agree with ending my pregnancy?

Some doctors disagree with the procedure. This is called ‘conscientious objection’. If your doctor is a conscientious objector, they:

• DO NOT have to give you information about getting a termination (or help you get a termination)
• DO have to offer you the list of prescribed health services for information, advice and counselling as they know you want to end your pregnancy or want information about your options.

What if I am harassed by people outside the health service?

• It is illegal for anyone to harass or intimidate a person about pregnancy options within 150 metres of a health service where terminations are provided.
• This area is called the ‘access zone’.
• It is also illegal for anyone to protest against pregnancy terminations within the access zone.

Download a fact sheet about access zones in Tasmania.