Family Planning NSW (FPNSW) is now providing abortion services. Clients can access surgical abortion up to 12 weeks plus six days gestation and medical abortion up to nine weeks gestation through FPNSW.
The following information is for clinicians working with clients who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and want information about abortion.
Surgical abortion
FPNSW is currently providing surgical abortion services from Chatswood. Clients up to 12 weeks plus six days gestation are eligible for the service. At FPNSW, clients having a surgical abortion can expect to have two appointments: initial assessment; abortion procedure. The assessment appointment can be booked at any FPNSW clinic or by telehealth in certain instances, where the clinician will arrange any required tests and confirm medical eligibility for the procedure. The client is then scheduled for their surgical abortion procedure at Chatswood.
Cost of a surgical abortion
People with access to Medicare will incur fees and will have a total out of pocket cost of $375 for their appointments at FPNSW (after Medicare rebate). People without access to Medicare will incur a total fee of $788.25. These fees do not include the cost of medication, contraceptive devices or additional appointments if needed. To find surgical abortion fees information Bulk billing for is available for: full time students; concession card holders; young people aged 18 and under; and financial hardship.
Medical abortion
Clients can access medical abortion at all FPNSW fixed clinics (Ashfield, Fairfield, Penrith, Newcastle and Dubbo) and by telehealth in certain instances. Clients with a pregnancy up to nine weeks gestation are eligible for a medical abortion. At FPNSW, clients having a medical abortion can expect to have three appointments: abortion assessment; medical abortion provision; a follow-up appointment. This process supports comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care, including arranging STI testing, provision of contraception and cervical screening where appropriate.
Cost of a medical abortion at FPNSW
People with access to Medicare will incur fees and will have a total out of pocket cost of $95 for their three appointments at FPNSW (after Medicare rebate). People without access to Medicare will incur a total fee of $286 for their appointments. These fees do not include the cost of the abortion medication, contraception devices or additional appointments if needed to manage complications. To find medical abortion fees information Bulk billing for is available for: full time students; concession card holders; young people aged 18 and under; financial hardship.
Clients do not need a referral to access the service, anyone can call to book an appointment at their local FPNSW clinic. To find more information. In the instance where clinicians would like to directly refer a client to the FPNSW abortion service, they can use the referral form.
If clients have any questions prior to their assessment visit, they can discuss these with Family Planning NSW Talkline staff by calling 1300 658 886.