This information is designed to be used in consultation with your health professional. Read our Legal Disclaimer here.
Decisions around what to do if you have an unintended pregnancy can be simple but sometimes, decision making can be complex.
It is normal to feel a range of emotions about an unintended pregnancy and it is important to know what your options are. This brochure provides information for people who are pregnant in Western Australia to help them consider their options and understand what support is available.
If you think you might be pregnant, it is important to find out as soon as possible. A late or missed period can be a sign.
Other signs may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sore breasts
- Fatigue
- Peeing more often
These signs don’t always mean that you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant and your period is a week or more late, it is important to do a pregnancy test. These are widely available from pharmacies, supermarkets, and health clinics.
The pregnancy test will give a result within minutes.
The three pregnancy options are:
- Continue the pregnancy and become a parent
- Continue the pregnancy with a view to adoption
- End the pregnancy by having an abortion
If you need more support or information with making a decision you can access this through your GP, a sexual health doctor or nurse, or one of our counsellors at SHQ. See contact information overleaf.
If you are pregnant it is important to have time and support to make a decision that’s right for you. Some people may find it helpful to talk to a friend, family member or health professional.
Adoption Services in the Department of Communities is the only agency allowed to arrange adoptions in Western Australia. A Department representative will be assigned to meet with the birth parents to go through the process, and offer additional counselling and support.
Abortion services include taking medications (medical abortion) or having a procedure to end a pregnancy (surgical abortion). As a pregnancy progresses the options for abortion change, so making a decision is time sensitive.
If you live in WA and decide to have an abortion, you can now book directly with an abortion provider. You can call the State-wide Abortion Care Helpline service, 1800 4 CHOICE (1800 424 642) for more information. If a doctor doesn’t provide abortions, you have the right to find another doctor who can provide this.
A medical abortion (where you take medication) is available in WA up to 9 weeks of pregnancy and surgical abortions up to 23 weeks of pregnancy. The cost of an abortion varies and increases with the length of the pregnancy.
Abortions are safe and legal in WA up until 23 weeks gestation. If your pregnancy has progressed beyond 23 weeks, you may still be able to access an abortion legally, however, you will need to discuss your options with two doctors.
Options for abortion include:
- Medical abortion – Up to 9 weeks
- Surgical abortion (which involves a surgical procedure, usually under a light anaesthetic) – Up to 23 weeks
After an abortion, a variety of feelings occur but most people who have an abortion feel it was the right decision for them. If you feel you would benefit from support after an abortion, free counselling services are available.
Sexual Health Quarters offers professional non-judgemental medical and counselling services. This includes free face-to-face, phone counselling and telehealth services. Our counsellors are non-directive which means they will support you with whatever decision you make.
We offer unintended pregnancy support and post-abortion counselling. We provide medical abortions, information and advice about contraceptive options and can provide referrals for surgical abortions as appropriate.
Looking for more information?
Opens in a new window:Contact Us
Opens in a new window:Sexual Health Helpline
Information last updated June 2024
Print copies of select resources can be purchased by visiting our Opens in a new window:Online Shop or Ordering Resources page.