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Termination of pregnancy

How long is an abortion possible? Who covers the costs?

Table of contents

General Information

In Austria, abortion is usually allowed within the first three months of pregnancy, following a consultation with a doctor.

Doctors can also terminate a pregnancy:

  • if there is a serious danger to the mental health, physical health or life of the pregnant woman;
  • if the child is expected to be born with severe mental or physical disabilities, or
  • if the woman was under 14 years of age when she became pregnant.

Doctors are not obliged to perform or assist in an abortion unless the abortion is required in order to save the pregnant woman's life. The same provisions apply to all staff working in legally regulated health professions.

Costs and financial support

The costs of an abortion are only covered under statutory health insurance if the abortion is necessary for medical reasons.

Financial support in Vienna

The Department for Social Affairs, Social and Health Law (MA 40) of the City of Vienna assumes the costs for an abortion if women are in a material emergency and all other requirements are met. The costs are covered in the amount of the guideline rates of the Vienna Health Association [Wiener Gesundheitsverbund].

The choice of the method as well as the place or person performing the abortion is up to the woman.

The abortion must be performed in Austria. The application for assumption of the costs of an abortion or the confirmation of funding must be made before the procedure is performed. It must be submitted in writing.

Financial support in Tyrol

In Tyrol, the Province of Tyrol, Department of Social Affairs, offers financial support for abortions through a so-called Härtefallfonds (HFF). The HFF was handed over to the lilawohnt association as a member of the action committee for administration and implementation. The money from this fund is accessible to all social institutions in Tyrol after verification of the personal and financial situation of the requesting woman. This is to ensure the financing of an abortion for income disadvantaged women anonymously and as unbureaucratically as possible.

Financial support in Graz

The City of Graz covers the costs of an abortion, if the applicant cannot cover the costs by themselves and all other requirements are met (financial need). The application must be submitted in advance to the Social Services Office [Sozialamt] of the City of Graz (Social Assistance Department [Referat für Sozialuntersützung]). The abortion can be performed in a clinic or a medical practice.

Financial support by other agencies

The non-profit association CHANGES for women provides financial support to women facing an unintended pregnancy and financial distress to covre the costs of an abortion in Austria, provided that no other funding options are available. The association must be contacted before the abortion.

University students are provided with financial support by the so-called Repro Fördertopf of the association CHANGES for women in cooperation with the Österreichische Hochschülerinnen- und Hochschülerschaft (ÖH), if certain requirements are met.

Advice

Links to financial support

Sections 96 to 98 of the Strafgesetzbuch (StGB)

Last update: 28/10/2026
Responsible for the content: oesterreich.gv.at Editorial Staff
Translated by the European Commission, altered by oesterreich.gv.at Editorial Staff
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