Monash Expert: Abortion now decriminalised in every state and territory in Australia

Monash University

Western Australia has become the final state to remove offences related to abortion access from its criminal code, making it the last state to decriminalise abortion.

The passage of the Abortion Legislation Reform Bill 2024 will also remove other harmful barriers to care. Patients will no longer have to undergo mandatory counselling, will not need the approval of multiple doctors, and doctors with a conscientious objection must now respect their patient’s right to healthcare.

The new laws will also increase the gestational limit from 20 to 23 weeks, and allow trained nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives to prescribe abortion medication.

A Monash University expert is available

/Public Release.