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Home › How Much Does an Abortion Cost in Australia?

How Much Does an Abortion Cost in Australia?

19 Mar, 2024 | Abortion, Blog

 

As families prepare to gather for Christmas, there’s a hidden crisis intensifying behind closed doors: reproductive violence, where someone uses coercion, manipulation, pressure or control to dictate another person’s reproductive choices, is affecting thousands of women and pregnant people across our region.

1 in 3 women globally will experience reproductive coercion in their lifetime, including sabotage of contraception, forced pregnancy, prevention or pressure related to abortion care, and financial or emotional threats linked to reproductive decisions.[1]

In Australia, around 1 in 5 women accessing abortion services report some form of coercion or control from a partner, and frontline counsellors say cases are becoming more complex, particularly during holiday periods when isolation and family pressure escalate.[2]

“Reproductive violence remains largely invisible, but it is happening right now, in homes, relationships, and families across Australia and the world,” said Grishma Bista, CEO, MSI Asia Pacific.

“No one should face abuse, pressure, or control over their reproductive choices. Access to safe, confidential care is essential, especially at a time of year when family dynamics can amplify risk.”

Holiday season increases risk

The end of the year is a peak period for relationship stress, financial pressure, travel, family expectation and isolation from support networks, all factors that increase risk of reproductive violence and reduce access to help.

MSI Australia’s psychosocial team reports a surge in women disclosing lack of control, fear, or pressure from partners in the lead up to Christmas, particularly around continuing or ending a pregnancy.

“We regularly support clients who are frightened, confused, or unsure if what they are experiencing is abuse,” said Alison Fonseca, Psychosocial Health Manager at MSI Australia.

“Reproductive violence can look like sabotaging contraception, hiding medication, pressuring someone to continue or terminate a pregnancy, or threatening to withdraw financial support. It is gendered violence, and it has devastating consequences.”

Regional impact demands regional action

Across the world, reproductive coercion is deeply connected to gender inequality, stigma, economic dependence, and access to health services. In many countries, there are no legal safeguards, limited counselling services, and severe stigma around reproductive healthcare.

“At MSI, we see resilience every day, people finding the courage to seek help, make their own decisions, and protect their future,” Ms Bista said.

“But access to safe pathways must be funded, protected and strengthened.”

Campaign launching: Help us support safety, choice and care

This Christmas, MSI is launching a donation campaign to support people experiencing reproductive violence, here and overseas.

Funds raised will:

  • Provide emergency psychosocial support including counselling
  • Cover the cost of abortion or contraception care for people facing coercion
  • Support local services in countries where reproductive violence is rarely acknowledged

Every donation, large or small, helps someone make a decision free from control, fear and pressure.

“No one should be forced into or out of a pregnancy,” Ms Fonseca said.

“With community support, we can make sure reproductive choices belong to the person, not their partner, not their family, and not their circumstances.”

Key facts

  • 1 in 5 Australian women seeking abortion report pressure or coercion related to pregnancy decisions
  • Only 12 out of 43 Asia Pacific countries have legislation enshrining the right to choose the number, timing, and spacing of children [3]
  • Reproductive violence is one of the least recognised forms of gender-based violence, despite being reported in clinical and counselling settings worldwide [4]
  • Family violence is consistently one of the high-recorded months for family violence incidents [5]

[1] World Health Organisation. (2021)

[2] MSI Australia. (2020). Hidden Forces: Shining a light on reproductive coercion white paper

[3] IPPF. (2023). Asia Pacific Contraception Policy Atlas. 

[4]  Tarzia & McKenzie. (2024). Reproductive coercion and abuse in intimate relationships: Women’s perceptions of perpetrator motivations

[5] Crime Statistics Agency. (2025). Family Incidents

Ends

For more information contact Anna Jabour on 0403 322 992

 

Navigating the options of abortion care can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the costs involved. At MSI Australia, we believe in providing professional and compassionate care. This blog is designed to help you understand the types of abortions available in Australia, their costs, the main factors that affect the costs and the financial support options, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your healthcare.

The cost of an abortion in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors

These include:

  • The type of abortion (medical, surgical or telehealth)
  • If you have a Medicare card
  • If you have a Health Care Card
  • If you have private health insurance, and your level of coverage
  • How many weeks pregnant you are
  • Whether the abortion is being provided by a private or public service
  • In which state or territory your procedure will take place

Types of Abortion and Their Costs

Abortion is a safe and legal way to end a pregnancy in Australia, and MSI Australia offers three main types to suit different needs and stages of pregnancy. Here are the options and the starting costs with us:

Available up to 9 weeks of pregnancy, this option involves taking two types of medication. Costs start from approximately $580, which may vary based on Medicare or health insurance coverage.

Suitable for up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, the cost for this procedure begins at around $700, depending on the pregnancy stage and clinic location.

This service includes two phone consultations, abortion medications delivered to your doorstep, and supportive aftercare. Costs start at approximately $250 plus $70 for medication and delivery.

Financial Assistance and Health Insurance Coverage

We understand that affordability is a crucial concern. There are several ways to manage the costs:

  • Medicare Rebate:

If you have a Medicare card, you can significantly reduce the costs of both medical and surgical abortions.

Some private health insurance plans cover abortion services. It’s essential to check with your provider about what’s included in your policy.

MSI Australia offers support for individuals facing financial difficulties, ensuring access to essential services.

For more detailed information on coverage and assistance, please visit our Financial Hardship and Referral Pathways page.

How to Prepare Financially for an Abortion

Preparing financially for an abortion involves understanding the costs, knowing your payment and support options, and planning accordingly:

  • Get a Quote:

Contacting service providers directly to get a precise cost based on your circumstances. With MSI Australia, you can call us on 1300 003 707 or  use our cost estimation tool to calculate. 

  • Explore Payment Plans:

Some clinics offer payment plans to spread the cost over time.

  • Seek Financial Assistance:

Don’t hesitate to discuss financial hardship options available to you.

FAQs About Abortion Costs

  • Does Medicare cover all abortion costs?

Medicare covers a significant portion of both medical and surgical abortions, but there may still be some out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Can I get an abortion for free in Australia?

While abortions are not typically free, various support mechanisms can help reduce costs significantly. If you are an ACT resident, you can access free abortion services funded by the ACT Government. If you are in WA or QLD, you might be eligible for funding pathways. Contact us for confidential guidance on potential financial assistance options in your area.

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Travel and Accommodation: If the clinic is far from home
  • Childcare Arrangements: If you have children and need care during your clinic visits
  • Lost Wages: If taking time off work is necessary
  • Follow-up Appointments: Costs for any subsequent medical care
  • Sanitary hygiene products: Especially after a medication abortion, as the experience of bleeding can vary based on your personal medical history

 

At MSI Australia, we’re committed to providing accessible, respectful, and confidential reproductive health services. Understanding the costs associated with abortion services is a vital step towards making empowered decisions about your health care.

For further assistance, explore our Costs and Prices page or contact us directly. Our team is here to support you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive the care you need.