CHILDREN BY CHOICE ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED

Abortion

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it can be extremely difficult for some women to decide what is best for themselves and those around them. For some women, abortion may be one option that they are seriously considering. Almost half of all unplanned pregnancies in Australia end in a termination of pregnancy (abortion). Almost one in three Australian women (29%) will choose abortion in their lifetime. In 2006, it was estimated that approximately 14000 abortions occurred in Queensland. It is the most common gynecological procedure in Australia, and when performed in medical clinics, abortion is a very safe procedure with an estimated complication rate of less than 2%.

As these numbers show, there are many women who decide that a termination is the best option in their circumstances. These women include religious women, mothers, grandmothers, young women, older women, single women, married women, unemployed women, employed women, and women who were against abortion before they knew they were pregnant. None of these women make this decision lightly, and making the decision to have a termination does not change the person that you are.

If you decide that abortion could be an option for you, it may be helpful to have as much information as possible to assist you in making this decision. For information on the clinic procedure, costs, clinic locations, what happens on the day, and coping afterwards, you can contact one of the counsellors at Children by Choice to ask questions or discuss how you are feeling.