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Contraception and abortion

Advice on contraception, pregnancy and abortion is readily obtainable from medical practitioners or other health services.

A person seeking advice or receiving contraceptive or pregnancy-related treatment does not need their partner or spouse's consent. Neither does a child or young person need the consent of their parent or guardian. However, in the case of a child under 16 years, a second medical opinion may be necessary for treatment. In some circumstances, an order of a court or tribunal may be required. Visit Children under 16 years for more information.

Where a child or any person is unable to give consent to an abortion or sterilisation (for example, due to an intellectual disability) only the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal SACAT can give consent, not the person's parents, but they are given an opportunity to make submissions to the Tribunal [Guardianship and Administration Act 1993 (SA) s 61]. Visit When someone 16 or over can't consent for more information.

For more information, see Abortions and Abortions - Safe Access Zones.

Contraception and abortion  :  Last Revised: Wed Jul 6th 2022
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.