Abortion Law

Abortion law in different Australian states and territories

Abortion in Australia remains a subject of state law rather than national law. In every state, abortion is legal to protect the life and health of the woman, though each state has a different definition.

There is no law anywhere in Australia that requires the notification or consent of a woman's partner. There is also no enforced waiting period for an abortion. There is no legal impediment against a mature minor having an abortion. A mature minor does not require parental consent or notification

However, many doctors will refuse to perform an abortion on a girl under 18 without parental consent. In Victoria, it is common practice for girls under 16 to be required to have either parental consent or a psychiatric referral before an abortion is performed.

In Victoria

A case in Victoria in 1969, the Menhennit ruling, established the grounds that “an abortion is allowable if there is serious danger to the life or physical or mental health of the mother.”

Reasons for Abortion In Australia

Life: to save the life of the mother

Health: to preserve the physical health of the mother

Mental: to preserve the mental health of the mother

Rape: in cases of rape and incest

Defect: when the unborn child has medical problems or birth defects

Social :for social and/or economic reasons, e.g. if the mother cannot afford to support a child

Demand: available on demand, no reason need be given

Many countries have restrictions in regards to trimesters.

United Kingdom; rape and demand are not legal reasons.

Good website about abortion in different countries

http://www.pregnantpause.org/lex/world02.htm