Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Abortion Law Reform Act 2008 - SECT 7

Supply or administration of drugs by registered pharmacist or registered nurse-more than 24 weeks

7. Supply or administration of drugs by registered pharmacist or registered
nurse-more than 24 weeks



(1) A registered medical practitioner may, in writing, direct a registered
pharmacist or registered nurse, who is employed or engaged by a hospital, to
administer or supply a drug or drugs to cause an abortion in a woman who is
more than 24 weeks pregnant only if the medical practitioner-

   (a)  reasonably believes that the abortion is appropriate in all the
        circumstances; and

   (b)  has consulted at least one other registered medical practitioner who
        also reasonably believes that the abortion is appropriate in all the
        circumstances.

(2) In considering whether the abortion is appropriate in all the
circumstances, a registered medical practitioner must have regard to-

   (a)  all relevant medical circumstances; and

   (b)  the woman's current and future physical, psychological and social
        circumstances.

(3) A registered pharmacist may administer or supply a drug or drugs to cause
an abortion in a woman who is more than 24 weeks pregnant only if the
pharmacist is employed or engaged by a hospital and only at the written
direction of a registered medical practitioner.

(4) A registered nurse may administer or supply a drug or drugs to cause an
abortion in a woman who is more than 24 weeks pregnant only if the nurse is
employed or engaged by a hospital and only at the written direction of a
registered medical practitioner.

(5) In this section hospital means a public hospital, private hospital or day
procedure centre within the meaning of the Health Services Act 1988.