Vol 35, (11) 833 - 928

Abortion and the law in Australia

Sara Bird MBBS, MFM(clin), FRACGP, is Medicolegal Adviser, MDA National.

The legal test for when an abortion is not ‘unlawful’ – and therefore permitted – is different in each state and territory. This article describes the current legal position in Australia with respect to abortion, but does not attempt to discuss the complex ethical issues surrounding abortion.

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College contact details

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) ABN 34 000 223 807,
1 Palmerston Cr, South Melbourne VIC 3205. Ph : +61 (3) 8699 0414 Fax : +61 (3) 8699 0400
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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is responsible for maintaining standards for quality clinical practice, education and training, and research in Australian general practice. The RACGP has the largest general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia, with the majority of Australia's general practitioners belonging to their professional college. Over 24 000 general practitioners participate in the RACGP Continuing Professional Development Program. The RACGP National Rural Faculty, representing more than 6000 members, has the largest rural general practitioner membership of any medical organisation in Australia. Read more about the College.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Abortion and the law in Australia

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College contact details