How Far Along Can I Get an Abortion?
- Abortion regulations differ from area to area. While some countries prohibit abortion, most governments limit abortions to the first trimester. Some regions have no gestational limit. For detailed information on your country, see below.
- While the use of the abortion pill is usually restricted to the first 9 weeks (LMP), in-clinic abortions are medically possible throughout the entire pregnancy.
You may like:
- 🗓 Want to know how far along you are? Use our Pregnancy Week Calculator.
- 🤰 ”Am I pregnant?” - Take the Online Pregnancy Test!
Until When Is It Possible To Have an Abortion? - International Overview
Threshold restrictions for abortions vary from country to country. Here is an overview of the gestational limit for each country:
The weeks of pregnancy are counted from the last menstrual period (LMP). This is the same as gestational age (GA). The actual fetal age (Conceptional Age - CA) would be two weeks less.
|
South Africa |
12 weeks |
|
Cambodia |
12 weeks |
|
Thailand |
12 weeks |
|
Australian Capital Territory |
None |
|
New South Wales |
22 weeks; legal until birth with the approval by two doctors |
|
Northern Territory |
14 weeks with one doctor’s approval; 22 weeks with two doctors’ approval |
|
Queensland |
22 weeks; legal until birth with approval by two doctors |
|
South Australia |
Lawful up to 28 weeks, only if deemed necessary by two doctors |
|
Tasmania |
16 weeks |
|
Victoria |
24 weeks; legal until birth with the approval by two doctors |
|
Western Australia |
20 weeks |
|
New Zealand |
20 weeks |
|
Austria |
|
|
Germany |
|
|
Great Britain |
12 weeks |
|
Italy |
|
|
Portugal |
|
|
Republic of Ireland |
12 weeks |
|
The Netherlands |
24 weeks; 5 day waiting period required |
|
Northern Ireland |
12 weeks |
|
Switzerland |
|
Canada |
None; no abortion provider performs abortions past 24 weeks |
|
Mexico |
None |
|
USA |
See our US page (coming soon) |
- Exceptions for later abortions are made in most countries. For more information, go to Late-Term Abortions.
While abortions are unrestricted in some countries, many abortion clinics do not provide abortions beyond the first 13 weeks. This is because they are not equipped to perform more complicated abortion methods, which are used in late-term abortions. Medication Abortions can be performed within the first 9 weeks gestation. Vacuum Aspirations are usually not performed past the 14th week.
You may like: 💰 How Much Does an Abortion Cost?
I Still Have Time - What’s Next?
There are probably many more unanswered questions going through your mind. You may be unsure of where to go from here. You want to make a decision that leaves you without regrets…
Go to Unplanned Pregnancy - Now What? for practical steps and advice.
This is a difficult road to travel. You probably feel overwhelmed, stuck, abandoned. You are not alone. Allow us to walk alongside you as you determine which path is right for you. Our judgement-free resources are tailor-made for your situation. Why not give them a try?
- ⚖️ Abortion: Yes or No? - Take the Abortion Test!
- 💡 Dealing with a specific issue? Take the Solutions Finder Test!
You may also like:
- The 4 Most Common Reasons for an Abortion
- How Do I Make a Good Decision
- Feeling Unsure About Abortion
Disclaimer:
While we strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information possible, abortion regulations are constantly shifting. profemina cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided.
Sources: