1800 4 CHOICE (1800 424 642) is a free helpline. Our team of experienced clinicians provide confidential support to people experiencing unintended pregnancy and advice to health sector workers in Western Australia.
This includes information about abortion services and providers of abortion care.
SHQ is a pro-choice organisation committed to removing barriers to sexual and reproductive health.
Opening Times
1800 4 CHOICE phone lines
- Monday 9.00am - 5.00pm (WST)
- Tuesday 9.00am - 5.00pm (WST)
- Wednesday 9.00am - 5.00pm (WST)
- Thursday 9.00am - 5.00pm (WST)
- Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm (WST)
- Saturday & Sunday (and public holidays) CLOSED
You will soon be able to email the helpline as well, please check back soon for more information.
People experiencing unintended pregnancy
When you contact 1800 4 CHOICE you will be connected to a qualified clinician can provide you with free, unbiased and confidential information on pregnancy options. After discussing your options, you will be asked some simple questions based on your needs to determine how far along your pregnancy is, what type of abortion services are available to you, which provider is best suited to your needs, and when.
Who are we?
Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) is the largest non-government provider of specialised sexual and reproductive health in Western Australia. We provide innovative clinical services, tailored counselling, and inspiring education that empowers people of all genders, ages, cultures and sexualities with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make informed choices about their sexual health and relationships.
The 1800 4 CHOICE Helpline is staffed by experienced clinicians working from our clinic in Northbridge, Western Australia.
The program is funded by the Western Australian Department of Health.
What information will I need before calling the helpline?
You don’t need anything ready for your call to 1800 4 CHOICE, but knowing the date of your last period will assist us in determining your options.
How much does an abortion cost?
Abortion costs vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Where you live
- The type of procedure (medical or surgical abortion)
- Medicare cardholder status
- Private health insurance (surgical abortion only)
- Gestation (how many weeks pregnant are you)
Our helpline staff can discuss your individual situation and try to find a solution suited to your needs.
Can I get a medical abortion?
A medical abortion is a procedure in which medication is used to end a pregnancy up to 9 weeks (63 days).
Find out more about medical abortion
I am under 18 years of age, can I get an abortion?
If you are aged 18 years or younger you can access an abortion without parent or guardian involvement if the doctor performing the procedure determines that you are a mature minor, meaning they believe you fully comprehend the nature, consequences and risks of having an abortion.
Do I need a referral to access an abortion?
In Western Australia you do not need a referral to an abortion provider.
I am more than 23 weeks pregnant, what are my options?
A person can access an abortion without additional requirements up to 23 weeks in Western Australia. Abortion can only be performed after 23 weeks when two doctors reasonably believe that performing an abortion is appropriate. Our friendly clinicians can discuss your options.
Can a health practitioner refuse to advise on an abortion?
All practitioners in Western Australia who refuse to provide or advise on an abortion for any reason are required to:
- Immediately disclose any conscientious objection to their patient.
- Transfer the patient’s care to a health practitioner or facility that they reasonably believe can provide abortion services or provide information approved by the Chief Health Officer to enable access to treatment elsewhere.
- Provide abortion care in an emergency.
Do I need to undergo counselling before having an abortion?
Free unintended pregnancy and post-abortion counselling is available to anyone who wants it. Accessing these services is your choice.
Free unintended pregnancy counselling
I don’t have access to a Medicare card, what are my options?
Medicare rebates are available for surgical abortions. Medicare does not cover medical abortion, however the prescription drug used for the procedure is listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme. You need a valid Medicare card to access these subsidies. If you hold private health insurance or travel insurance, you will need to contact your insurance provider find out of you have coverage for abortion. Our helpline staff can discuss your options.
I’m a member of the LGBTIQA+ community, where can I access abortion care safely?
Any person who can get pregnant — including transgender men, non-binary people and people of any gender who have a uterus — can have an abortion. We can help you find an inclusive provider.
I am in the process of having a medical abortion and I need advice
The nurses staffing 1800 4 CHOICE are experienced in reproductive healthcare and can provide support to anyone during a medical abortion.
I live outside of Perth; how can I access abortion care?
There are options available to people living in rural and regional Western Australia. Our helpline staff can assess your situation and discuss your options.
Will my call be private?
We do not collect or record any of your identifying information. At the end of the call you will be asked if you would be comfortable with completing a survey two weeks after your call. This survey is optional and sent via text only to those who consent to participate.
Can you provide medical abortion medication over the phone?
We cannot provide a medical abortion through our helpline. You can make a telehealth appointment with SHQ for a medical abortion conducted by video call.
I need help with another issue related to sexual health, can you help?
SHQ’s free Sexual Health Helpline provides confidential information and referrals from clinicians around sexual health, including contraception and sexually transmissible infections.
Call or email the Sexual Health Helpline
Healthcare Providers
Health practitioners can call 1800 4 CHOICE to access information on abortion care and service providers across WA.
Our clinicians can also provide advice and clarity around the newly implemented abortion laws and their obligations.
It is now mandatory for all health practitioners who refuse to provide or advise on an abortion to transfer the patients care to a health practitioner or facility that they reasonably believe can provide abortion services or provide information approved by the Chief Health Officer to enable access to treatment elsewhere.
How do I become a medical abortion provider?
Authorised health practitioners can prescribe, supply or administer abortion medication to patients in specified circumstances.
We recommend medical abortion training be undertaken before a clinician begins proving medical abortions.
SHQ will be providing training for clinicians in prescribing and dispensing medical termination of pregnancy medications shortly.
Can I deny support to patients seeking abortion care?
It is now mandatory for all health practitioners who refuse to provide or advise on an abortion to transfer the patients care to a health practitioner or facility that they reasonably believe can provide abortion services or provide information approved by the Chief Health Officer to enable access to treatment elsewhere.
All practitioners in Western Australia who refuse to provide or advise on an abortion for any reason are required to:
- Immediately disclose any conscientious objection to their patient.
- Transfer the patient’s care to a health practitioner or facility that they reasonably believe can provide abortion services or provide information approved by the Chief Health Officer to enable access to treatment elsewhere.
- Provide abortion care in an emergency.
How can I provide better support to patients experiencing unintended pregnancy?
SHQ provides Unintended Pregnancy Counselling training for professionals who support people with unintended pregnancy and those who are the first point of contact for someone facing an unintended pregnancy. Find out more
We also offer free counselling for unintended pregnancy and post termination support and no referral is required.
Counselling appointment information
Download SHQ’s unintended pregnancy brochure
I believe my patient is being coerced into completing their pregnancy/having an abortion, what should I do?
Reproductive coercion and abuse is when someone is stopped from making choices about their reproductive health.
SHQ provides a comprehensive eLearning package for healthcare workers designed to build understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) and reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA), and develop participants’ ability to recognise, respond and refer people experiencing violence.
Find out more about the eLearning
Reproductive coercion and abuse resources:
I would like to support someone to access an abortion
If you would like to support a person experiencing financial difficulties access abortion care, you can donate to SHQ’s Reproductive Rights Fund.