The Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018 became law in Queensland on 3 December 2018, allowing all Queensland women to seek a termination of pregnancy without fear of committing a criminal offence.

The Act ensures termination of pregnancy is treated as a health issue, rather than a criminal issue.

Most terminations of pregnancy are performed in the private sector and the Gold Coast community has good access to well-established services.

Women seeking a termination of pregnancy should always consult their GP in the first instance.

Women can also self-refer to Marie Stopes any time during their pregnancy.

Gold Coast Health will guide women seeking a termination for non-medical reasons to access safe and appropriate services delivered by these existing providers. We will not be introducing new or additional termination of pregnancy services for non-medical reasons at this time.

Gold Coast Health prioritises access to terminations for women with complex health care needs and fetal abnormalities through our Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit.

Women experiencing miscarriage will continue to be supported through our Early Pregnancy Assessment and Management Service in the Gold Coast University Hospital Emergency Department.

The health service will provide targeted support to women who may be experiencing significant difficulties accessing a termination.

For more information on the Termination of Pregnancy Act 2018, visit Queensland Health.