Aug 4, 2025
Will Murray, ABC

Earlier this year, the Queensland Supreme Court gave permission for a hospital to perform a surgical abortion on a 12-year-old girl who was nine weeks pregnant.

The girl, known as "E", wanted an abortion, and her mother consented. However, the court was still required to assess whether a termination was in the child's best interests.

According to Australian law, children are empowered to make their own decisions about the healthcare they receive - regardless of parental consent - so long as they fully understand what is being done.

Continued: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/569014/why-the-courts-stepped-in-when-a-12-year-old-wanted-an-abortion