Considering abortion
Everyone has their own reasons for considering or having an abortion. Only you know what’s right for you, but good information and support can help you make the decision that's best for your own health and wellbeing.
-
What is abortion?
Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure to end a pregnancy. It is also called a termination of pregnancy.
Abortion is not rare or uncommon. Both medical and surgical abortion are well-established health care procedures.
What abortion options are there?
The type(s) of abortion available to you will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are, your medical history, personal preference and circumstances, and services offered in your area.
There are two main types of abortion available in Aotearoa New Zealand.
-
-
Medical abortion
Medical abortion involves taking medicines (tablets) to end the pregnancy. You can get the medicines through a clinic, or in some cases via a telehealth consultation (phone) with an abortion provider.
Medical abortion
Medical abortion involves taking medicines (tablets) to end the pregnancy. You can get the medicines through a clinic, or in some cases via a telehealth consultation (phone) with an abortion provider.
-
Surgical abortion
Surgical abortion involves a minor procedure to end the pregnancy. It may be done with local anaesthetic, conscious sedation (so you are aware but not alert) or rarely, with general anaesthetic, at a hospital or specialist clinic.
Surgical abortion
Surgical abortion involves a minor procedure to end the pregnancy. It may be done with local anaesthetic, conscious sedation (so you are aware but not alert) or rarely, with general anaesthetic, at a hospital or specialist clinic.
-
-
-
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. You do not need a referral from your doctor (GP) or health practitioner to have an abortion. This means you can contact an abortion provider directly to find out about abortion services that meet your specific needs.
Find out how to access abortion services
Where can I have an abortion?
Most areas of New Zealand offer a local abortion service at a hospital, a community clinic, or some Family Planning clinics.
Some abortion providers may only offer abortion in the earlier stages of pregnancy (first trimester) or one type of procedure.
Who can provide an abortion?
Up to and including 20 weeks of a pregnancy, a qualified health practitioner (midwife, nurse or doctor) can provide an abortion.
If you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, the health practitioner will need to consult a second health practitioner, and decide whether an abortion is clinically appropriate. You may need to travel to another region for the abortion.
It is a criminal offence for anyone other than a qualified health practitioner to provide an abortion.
-
What does it cost?
New Zealand citizen/resident
Abortion services are free for most New Zealand citizens and residents.
You may need to pay for an ultrasound scan. Your abortion provider should let you know if there are any costs.
If there isn’t a local abortion service, there may be help to pay for your travel to a nearby area to access the service. Your nearest abortion provider can help answer your questions about travel support.
Non-New Zealand resident
If you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident (non-resident), or on a minimum two-year working visa you will likely have to pay for an abortion and any aftercare costs. Abortion costs for non-New Zealand residents vary between NZ$950 and $5,500, depending on the provider and type of abortion.
Contact your local abortion provider for information on their costs for non-residents or contact The Women's Clinic on 0800 226 784 for telemedicine early medical abortion anywhere in New Zealand.
What can I expect when I have an abortion?
How do I get support?
-
-
Abortion and your rights
Abortion is a well-established health service in Aotearoa New Zealand. You have the right to get an abortion from a qualified health practitioner (nurse, doctor or midwife) and to access abortion services without being harassed or intimidated.
-
Need to talk?
If you're unsure, finding it hard to come to a decision, or need more information, talk to us.