Termination of pregnancy

Termination of pregnancy, or abortion, is a procedure that ends a pregnancy. 

Townsville Hospital and Health Service established a surgical termination service in March 2023 to ensure women of Townsville and surrounds could access termination services.

Women thinking of terminating a pregnancy should consider their options as early as possible as the options available to them become more limited and more costly as the pregnancy progresses.  

If you are pregnant, there are three different options available to you: parenting, adoption and foster care, or termination. 

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Women wishing to terminate a pregnancy can self-refer to a private provider. Speak to your GP for referral to the public system.

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Your options

Women who chose to end a pregnancy will have different termination options depending on their gestation. This includes early medical termination via telehealth or with your GP as well as surgical termination of pregnancy done by a doctor in a hospital.

In Queensland, women can request a termination of pregnancy for any reason before they reach 22 weeks gestation.

Women wishing to terminate a pregnancy can self-refer to a private provider. Speak to your GP for referral to the public system.

Children by Choice can support you with their free all-options pregnancy counselling service and have resources to help you fully understand each option and help clarify your thoughts around your decision. You can also call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for confidential, professional and supportive health information.

Medical termination

Medical terminations are available to women up to nine weeks gestation, through their GP or via a private provider.

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Before being prescribed the medication a women must have a consultation, a blood test and an ultrasound. It is recommended women wishing to have a medical termination talk to their doctor as early as possible and ideally no later than eight weeks.

You can access a medical termination via private providers. A number of GP’s offer this service locally.  Some women will be able to access a medical termination via telehealth using a computer or mobile phone. 

Providers across the country offer medical termination services and you can search for one online.

For more information about the process and costs contact the provider, your GP, or Children by Choice.

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Surgical termination  

After nine weeks gestation a surgical termination is the only option available to women. Most surgical terminations are performed by private providers.

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Townsville University Hospital operates a surgical termination service for women under 14 weeks gestation. Our service prioritises women with complex healthcare needs, those who are financially disadvantaged and those without the ability to access a termination in the private sector.

Women further along in their pregnancy need to travel to Brisbane to access a surgical abortion service.

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In an emergency you should call triple zero (000) or attend the emergency department.

Support and information

13 HEALTH

Call 13 43 25 84 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for confidential, professional and supportive health information from trained professionals.

Children by Choice
1800 177 725 (free call) offers free all-options pregnancy counselling, information and referrals Queensland-wide. Visit their website. 

The Women's Centre (Townsville)

Offers free services including counselling, information and referral with a focus on homelessness, sexual crimes and domestic violence. Call (07) 4775 7555 or visit their website. 

Women’s Health Queensland
1800 017 676 (free call) offers health promotion, information and education services for women and health professionals throughout Queensland. Visit their website. 

True Relationships and Reproductive Health

Provides expert reproductive and sexual health care for all people. Visit their website.