Barrier to abortion access

Barriers to Termination of Pregnancy in Australia: Cost, Access, and the Importance of Affordable, Local Care

Access to safe and legal abortion is a fundamental part of reproductive healthcare, yet many people across Australia still face significant barriers to termination of pregnancy — particularly when it comes to cost, geography, and service availability. These obstacles can delay care or prevent access altogether, especially for people experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.

If you are exploring your pregnancy options, read more here.

1. Cost and Financial Insecurity

Even though medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP) is partially covered by Medicare, the out-of-pocket costs for abortion can be prohibitively high. In many private clinics across Australia, a medical abortion can cost anywhere from $250 to $600 or more. For people who are unemployed, studying, caring for others, or in financial distress, this creates a major barrier to timely access.

2. Geographic Isolation

People living in rural and remote areas of Australia face unique challenges when seeking an abortion service. There may be no local providers, and accessing a clinic could require significant travel, accommodation, and time off work or study — all of which add to the emotional and financial burden. Even within cities like Brisbane, some suburbs lack accessible services.

3. Limited Provider Availability

Not all GPs provide medical abortions, and referral pathways can be unclear or fragmented. Patients are sometimes told that their doctor "doesn't do that here" without being given clear information on where to go next. Delays in accessing care can reduce the available options, particularly for medical abortion which is only offered up to 9 weeks’ gestation.

4. Stigma and Privacy Concerns

Although abortion is legal, abortion stigma remains a real concern for many people, particularly in smaller or more conservative communities. Fear of being judged, concerns about confidentiality, or even past negative experiences with the healthcare system can stop someone from seeking help.

5. Misinformation and Confusion

Many people are unaware of their legal rights when it comes to abortion in Queensland and may not know that telehealth abortion is an option. Confusion around gestational limits, the difference between medical and surgical abortion, and concerns about safety or side effects may cause unnecessary anxiety and delay.

Low-Cost Medical Abortion in Brisbane — In Person or Via Telehealth

To help address some of these barriers, I now offer low-cost medical termination of pregnancy in Brisbane at Gladstone Road Medical Centre, located in Highgate Hill. This service includes:

• A thorough consultation and bulk-billed follow-up care

• A $25 gap fee or bulk billing available on request

• Access to care in person or via telehealth, anywhere in Queensland*

Whether you're seeking abortion care in Brisbane or need telehealth abortion services from a more rural* area, I aim to provide respectful, inclusive, and affordable support. No referral is required.

If you're experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and want to discuss your options, you can book online at mitchkrosch.com or contact Gladstone Road Medical Centre directly. Everyone deserves timely, compassionate reproductive care — without financial or geographic barriers.

*You must be within two hours drive of an emergency department, in case of a complication.