If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, you're not alone. About one in four women will have an abortion during their lifetime.
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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, safe health care procedures used in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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 and what is offered in your region.
Early medical abortion (EMA)
- An option in the first nine to 10 weeks of pregnancy (depends on the provider).
- You take two medicines to cause a miscarriage. It can feel like a more heavy and painful period. No surgery or anaesthetic is involved. Usually, the pregnancy passes at home.
- Learn more...
Early surgical abortion
- An option in the first 13 to 15 weeks of pregnancy (depends on the provider).
- You take medicines and the pregnancy is removed by suction in a hospital or clinic. It can be done awake or asleep. Usually you go home on the same day.
- Learn more...
Later medical abortion
- An option after about 14 weeks of pregnancy (depends on the provider).
- It's like an early medical abortion, but the medicines you take are stronger and it happens in a hospital or specialist clinic. Usually you go home on the same day.
- Learn more...
Later surgical abortion
- An option after about 14 weeks of pregnancy (depends on the provider).
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You take medicines and the pregnancy is removed by suction and medical instruments in a hospital or specialist clinic. General anaesthetic is used so you are asleep. Usually you go home on the same day.
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Talk to your local provider about what is possible.
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Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. You don't need a referral from your doctor (GP) or health practitioner to have an abortion. This means you can contact an abortion provider directly for information and appointments for abortion services.
Find out how to access abortion services
Where can I have an abortion?
Most regions of New Zealand have an abortion service at a hospital, a community clinic, or some Family Planning clinics.
Some abortion providers only offer abortion in the earlier stages of pregnancy (first trimester) or one type of procedure. These providers can help you get a later abortion procedure from another provider.
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's a criminal offence for anyone other than a qualified health practitioner to provide an abortion.
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What does it cost?
New Zealand citizen/resident
Most abortion services are free for most New Zealand citizens and residents.
Check if you're eligible for publicly funded health services in New Zealand.
You might need to pay for an ultrasound scan and prescription fees. 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 service in another region. Your nearest abortion provider can help answer your questions about travel support.
Non-New Zealand resident
If you're not a New Zealand citizen or resident (non-resident), or not on a minimum two-year working visa you'll 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 costs. The Women's Clinic provides telemedicine (phone) early medical abortion anywhere in New Zealand, for a fee.
What can I expect when I have an abortion?
How do I get support?
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Abortion and your rights
Abortion is a well-established, safe health service in Aotearoa New Zealand. You have the right to get an abortion from a qualified nurse, doctor or midwife. You have the right to access abortion services without being harassed or intimidated.
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Need to talk?
If you're unsure, finding it hard to make a decision, or need more information, talk to us.