Abortion is safe, legal and accessible in Victoria. There are many pubic and private providers of medical and surgical abortion across the state. Abortion care is free for Mob with Medicare in public hospitals.
Finding out you are pregnant is different for everyone. For some people, deciding to have an abortion may be clear. For others, the decision may take time or feel overwhelming, with many factors impacting on the decision.
It’s important to take the time you need to make a decision that is best for you. It’s not about what’s right or wrong, but what is best for you in this moment. Sometimes you might reach out to your Tiddas or Aunties you feel safe with for a yarn, or other times it may feel better to reach out to support from a professional who is pro-choice. Sometimes you might not need any support at all.
Decision making support
There are options available if you are seeking support:
Badjurr-Bulok Wilam
Meaning home of many women in Woiwurrung’, the Badjurr-Bulok Wilam Aboriginal Health Liaison team can provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with pro-choice, culturally sensitive support when making pregnancy decision or accessing abortion care at the Royal Women's Hospital.
The team can have a yarn with you about your options, the process to get care and the share the experience of accessing abortion from other Tiddas.
Support from the team is optional, and you will never be made to speak to this team without your consent.
Contact the team on 03 8345 3050
The Abortion and Contraception Service Social Work Counselling
The counselling team provides free, pro-choice, and confidential pregnancy options counselling. Pregnancy options counselling is led by you and is available to help you understand your pregnancy options and empower you to reflect on what is important to you in a supported space. It can be helpful if your decision is feeling overwhelming or you’d like to talk it through.
This counselling is always optional, and you will never be forced to do it. It is never okay for any doctor, nurse, or worker to make you feel pressured in your decision.
Contact the team on 03 8345 2831
Resources
If having a yarn feels overwhelming, you can try some of the decision-making activities on the Women’s website.
What to expect when having an abortion
This video has been made by Mob for Mob. It’s here to help First Nations women and people understand what to expect if you’re having a surgical abortion at the Women’s.
Everyone's story is different. This video is to show what it can be like and what to expect if you're thinking about having a surgical abortion.
You have the right to make your own decision based on your own feelings, needs, and beliefs. Sometimes there is no perfect option, but an option that best fits your situation. You’ve got options and you’re not alone.
Contacts
1800 My Options
If you or someone you know needs help around sexual health or abortion care, you can contact 1800 My Options, which is a free, confidential, and pro-choice service that can help you find decision making support or an abortion service in Victoria.
Website: 1800 My Options
Phone: 1800 696 784 (weekdays 9am – 5pm)
Royal Women’s Hospital Abortion and Contraception Service
Phone: 03 8345 2831 (weekdays 8am – 5pm)
Referrals: call the above number to self-refer for an abortion or options counselling. Your doctor or health care worker can also send referrals via fax to 03 8345 2833.
Royal Women’s Hospital Badjurr-Bulok Wilam
Badjurr-Bulok Wilam Aboriginal Health Unit
Phone: 03 8345 3050 (weekdays 9am – 5pm)
13YARN
Free and confidential crisis line for First Nations people needing mental health support.
Phone: 13 92 76 (24/7)
Related information
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.