Australian Capital Territory Numbered Acts

HEALTH REGULATION (MATERNAL HEALTH INFORMATION) ACT 1998 (NO. 62 OF 1998) - SECT 8

(1)     Where it is proposed to perform an abortion a medical practitioner shall—

        (a)     properly, appropriately and adequately provide the woman with advice about—

              (i)     the medical risks of termination of pregnancy and of carrying a pregnancy to term;

              (ii)     any particular medical risks specific to the woman concerned of termination of pregnancy and of carrying a pregnancy to term;

              (iii)     any particular medical risks associated with the type of abortion procedure proposed to be used; and

              (iv)     the probable gestational age of the foetus at the time the abortion will be performed;

        (b)     offer the woman the opportunity of referral to appropriate and adequate counselling—

              (i)     about her decision to terminate the pregnancy or to carry the pregnancy to term; and

              (ii)     after termination of pregnancy or during and after carrying the pregnancy to term;

        (c)     provide the woman with any information approved under subsection 14 (2);

        (d)     provide the woman with any information approved under subsection 14 (4); and

        (e)     provide the woman with any information approved under subsection 14 (5).

(2)     No charge shall be made for the materials provided under paragraphs (1) (c), (1) (d) or (1) (e).

(3)     Complying with this section does not in itself discharge any other contractual, statutory or other legal obligation of a medical practitioner or other person to provide information to a patient.