FAQs
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) is where you can find answers to some of the questions you might have and find out the meaning of words you may have seen but are not familiar with.
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About the National Abortion Telehealth Service
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What is the National Abortion Telehealth Service?
The National Abortion Telehealth Service, DECIDE, is a Ministry of Health funded initiative, operated by Family Planning New Zealand and Magma Healthcare. Our service connects people anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand to abortion services.
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Who is Family Planning?
Family Planning is New Zealand’s largest primary health care provider of sexual and reproductive health services and information. Operating since 1936, our range of services includes contraception, STI testing and treatment, cervical screening and abortion, as well as education and information.
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Who is Magma Healthcare?
Magma Healthcare is an innovative provider of sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Since 2016, Magma has been providing abortion services throughout New Zealand.
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What is DECIDE?
DECIDE is the brand name for the National Abortion Telehealth Service.
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About pregnancy
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How do I know if I am pregnant?
The best way to confirm if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are reliable and widely available. You can get a pregnancy test from a pharmacy, chemist or Family Planning.
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Are at home pregnancy tests reliable?
Yes. At home pregnancy tests are reliable as long as you follow the instructions carefully. You can get a pregnancy test from a pharmacy, chemist or Family Planning.
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When should I take a pregnancy test?
Wait at least a week after you’ve missed your normal period to take a pregnancy test. Do the test first thing in the morning, when your urine (pee/mimi) is most concentrated.
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What does a positive pregnancy test mean?
A positive pregnancy test means you are pregnant.
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What does a negative pregnancy test mean?
A negative pregnancy test means you are not pregnant.
If you returned a negative pregnancy test but still think you might be pregnant, contact Family Planning or your GP or health practitioner.
If the test result is negative and you don’t want to get pregnant, check out contraception options at Family Planning or with your nurse or doctor.
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About abortion
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What is abortion?
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Is abortion legal in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Yes. Any pregnant person in New Zealand has the right to have an abortion from a qualified midwife, nurse or doctor.
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Do I need a referral from my GP or health practitioner?
No. You do not need a referral from your 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.
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How old do I have to be to get an abortion?
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How late in my pregnancy can I get an abortion?
There is no time limit on having an abortion in New Zealand. Generally, the earlier the procedure, the less complicated it is. After 20 weeks of pregnancy your 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.
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Does anyone have to know?
No. Your privacy is important. It is your choice who you tell about your pregnancy or abortion. No one will be told without your permission. Your abortion provider will discuss support you may need.
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Do I need my parent's consent / approval / permission to have an abortion?
No. It is your choice who you tell about your pregnancy or abortion. No one will be told without your permission. Legally, it is only YOU who makes the final decision whether or not to have an abortion.
If you are a young person, it is a good idea to talk to a parent or another trusted adult if you can. If you do choose to have an abortion, it is good to have adult support.
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Can non-binary, transgender or gender-expansive people have an abortion?
Abortion care is not just for cis women. Transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive people who were assigned female or intersex at birth can experience pregnancy and can decide to have an abortion.
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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 prescription charges and ultrasound.
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 after care 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-New Zealand residents, or contact The Women's Clinic on 0800 226 784 for telemedicine costs for early medical abortion anywhere in New Zealand.
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I am not a New Zealand resident. Can I get an abortion? What is the cost?
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 after care costs. Abortion costs for non-New Zealand residents vary between $NZD950 and $5,500, depending on the provider and type of abortion.
Contact your local abortion provider for information on their costs for non-New Zealand residents, or contact The Women's Clinic on 0800 226 784 for telemedicine costs for early medical abortion anywhere in New Zealand.
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Can I change my mind?
You can change your mind about having an abortion at any time before it takes place. Once you begin the process (take medication), you are unable to stop or reverse the abortion.
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Do I have to have counselling?
No. You do not have to have counselling to get an abortion. For some people it can be helpful to talk about their feelings with a professional counsellor. You can ask to have counselling before or after your abortion.
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How is the morning after pill / emergency contraception different from an abortion?
Unlike an abortion which ends a pregnancy, emergency contraception prevents a pregnancy from happening.
The Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP) (formerly known as the ‘morning after pill'), can be taken up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex (penis in vagina sex where you have not used contraception or it has failed).
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How can I get the Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)?
You can get the ECP on prescription from Family Planning, your GP or health practitioner, or you can buy it from a pharmacy. It can be taken up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex (penis in vagina sex where you have not used contraception or if the contraception has failed).
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Does abortion cause breast cancer?
There is no evidence that shows that having an abortion increases your risk of developing breast cancer.
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I am unsure / scared / nervous about having an abortion. Who can I talk to?
If you are unsure, feel uncertain or find it hard to come to a decision, talk to us (the National Abortion Telehealth Service).
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Can my partner get counselling too, if I'm having an abortion?
If your partner is in agreement you can have joint counselling through the abortion provider. This is generally free. There is no provision for free counselling for partners or whānau without the pregnant person.
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Abortion procedures
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I've had an abortion before. Is that a problem?
There is no medical or legal restriction on the number of abortions someone can have.
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Can I have an abortion if I am breastfeeding?
Yes. It is safe to have an abortion if you are breastfeeding. Your abortion provider will discuss this with you.
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I am overweight or underweight. Does that affect the procedure?
No. But if you have any health conditions this may affect what type of procedure you can have.
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What is the difference between early medical abortion and medical abortion?
Early medical abortion (EMA) is an option in the first ten weeks of pregnancy, which can be completed at home.
Medical abortion, is a later abortion procedure usually used after about 14 weeks of pregnancy. It is also called, second trimester medical abortion, labour induced abortion or induction of labour. It involves using medicines to start labour and delivery of the foetus. This procedure usually requires a hospital stay.
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When can I have an early medical abortion (the abortion pill)
It will depend on on how many weeks pregnant you are (your gestation), your medical history, personal preference and circumstances, and services offered in your area.
An option in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
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When can I have a later medical abortion (labour induced abortion)?
It will depend on on how many weeks pregnant you are (your gestation), your medical history, personal preference and circumstances, and services offered in your area.
An option usually used after about 14 weeks of pregnancy.
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When can I have an early surgical abortion (suction termination)?
It will depend on on how many weeks pregnant you are (your gestation), your medical history, personal preference and circumstances, and services offered in your area.
An option usually used up to about 14 weeks of pregnancy.
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When can I have a later surgical abortion (surgical dilation and evacuation (D&E))?
It will depend on on how many weeks pregnant you are (your gestation), your medical history, personal preference and circumstances, and services offered in your area.
An option usually used after about 14 weeks of pregnancy.
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Is it safe?
Abortion is a very safe procedure with fewer risks than pregnancy or childbirth and serious complications are very rare. It is more ideal to have an abortion before you are 12 weeks pregnant.
- Most people have no complications during or after their abortion. However, as with any medical or surgical procedure, there are some risks.
- Rare problems can include bleeding too much (haemorrhaging), getting an infection or damage to the cervix and uterus. Your abortion provider will explain this to you and how to follow up. It is unlikely these will ever cause ongoing problems.
- The most likely risk is an infection in the two weeks after your abortion. You can lower the risk by following the instructions given to you by your abortion provider at the time of your abortion.
- There is no evidence that your fertility (ability to get pregnant) or future pregnancies will be affected by having an abortion.
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Does it hurt?
For most people, abortion procedures have at least some discomfort, usually similar to strong period pain. You will get more information about how to manage any discomfort or pain from your abortion provider.
- More information about what discomfort or pain to expect can be found under each abortion type.
- For early medical abortion, people can experience mild to strong cramping off and on throughout the abortion (commonly 1-4 hours but may be longer).
- For early surgical abortion, people can experience mild to strong cramping during the abortion (commonly a 5 to 10-minute period).
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Does it always work?
In most cases, abortion works and the pregnancy is ended.
- Very rarely the abortion may not end the pregnancy. This is more common with medical abortion. If this happens, your abortion provider will let you know what to do next.
- Usually between 90 to 99% of early medical abortions are successful. If it fails, a surgical abortion or further abortion medication will be necessary.
- Usually 99% of early surgical abortions are successful. If it fails it will need to be repeated.
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Do I have to visit a clinic?
For a surgical procedure, you will need to visit a clinic. For a medical abortion, most of the consultation can be done by phone but you will need to visit a clinic to pick up your medicines and you will need to get blood tests.
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I can’t get to an abortion clinic. How do I get an abortion?
You may be able to get a telemedicine early medical abortion if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks. Talk to your nearest abortion provider about this option.
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Will there be protestors standing outside the clinic?
Regardless of where you are going for abortion care, if you are harassed or intimidated, with signs or if someone tries to speak to you about abortion, you should report it to the abortion provider.
A law was recently passed that means Safe Areas can be created around abortion providers to prevent this behaviour.
Where an abortion provider has created a safe area around a service, it is illegal for anyone to harass you, intimidate you or try to talk to you about abortion when you are entering the service.
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Can my partner or a parent stay with me?
Talk to your abortion provider about what will meet your specific cultural needs.
You can go to your first abortion appointment on your own or bring your partner, a friend or whānau member.
If you are having an early medical abortion, it is best to have a support person/tangata tautoko with you at home and access to a telephone and transport in case you need advice or help.
Normally with later medical abortions at a clinic, it is best if your support person/tangata tautoko is with you to support you through the procedure.
Normally, for a surgical abortion, your support person/tangata tautoko is not allowed to be present during the actual procedure.
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After abortion
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What happens to pregnancy remains after the abortion?
Taking the pregnancy remains (foetal tissue or ’products of conception’) home is an option that can be discussed with your doctor or nurse.
You might choose to bury the pregnancy tissue, returning the tissue and wairua to the whenua. Other options will be discussed with you.
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Will an abortion affect my health?
Most patients return to normal health within a day or so. Take it easy for several days after your procedure and avoid strenuous activity for two weeks.
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Will I have to take time off work / study?
Following an abortion you can go usually back to work, study or other normal activities the next day. Take it easy for several days after your abortion and avoid strenuous activity for two weeks.
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I need help after my abortion. What do I do?
Your abortion provider will give you instructions about how to care for yourself during the procedure and how to access care if you experience any complications after the procedure (post-abortion care).
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Can I use tampons or a menstrual cup after my abortion?
To reduce the risk of infection after an abortion, use sanitary pads rather than tampons or a menstrual cup for at least two weeks.
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Can I go swimming after an abortion?
In the two weeks after your abortion, do not use a swimming pool, spa or have a bath. Have a shower instead.
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When will I get my period again?
You are likely to get your next period 4 to 6 weeks after the abortion, and it may be heavier than normal.
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When can I have sex again?
It is best not to have sex for at least two weeks after the abortion. If you do, use a condom, with lube, to protect yourself from infection.
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How soon can I get pregnant after having an abortion?
You can get pregnant two weeks after your abortion. You should discuss contraception with your abortion provider when you are going through the process.
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When should I start taking contraception after an abortion?
You can get pregnant two weeks after your abortion.
- For oral contraception ('The Pill') it is recommended that you start the day after the abortion.
- For other forms of contraception (Depo Provera, IUD, Implant), you may be able to get these fitted by your abortion provider on the day of your surgical abortion. It should be in place before you start having sex.
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Will abortion make it harder for me to get pregnant in the future?
There is no evidence that your fertility (ability to get pregnant) or future pregnancies will be affected by having an abortion.
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Word meanings
If there are words around sexual and reproductive health, including abortion, that you come across but don't know what they mean, let us know and we can explain them to you.
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What does ‘cervix’ mean?
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). Find out about your genitals (penis and vagina).
What does 'conception' mean?
Conception is the process of becoming pregnant – i.e. when the sperm (from a male) and egg (from a female) meet (which is how a pregnancy starts).
What does ‘consent’ mean?
Consent is when YOU give permission for something to happen or agree to something happening.
What is ‘contraception’?
Contraception is a way to prevent pregnancy and some types of contraception give you protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Contraception generally prevents the sperm (from a male) and egg (from a female) from meeting (which is how a pregnancy starts).
There are many different types of contraception and some are more effective than others. Talk to your nurse or doctor or Family Planning about contraception options and what’s best for you.
What does 'conscientious objection' mean?
Conscientious objection is when your health practitioner will not provide something (usually abortion services or contraception) because of a personal belief. They must let you know and provide you with the contact details of the nearest service at the earliest opportunity.
What does 'fertility' mean?
Fertility is the natural capability to give life. In people, fertility means that the parent can produce babies. For females it is your ability to get pregnant.
What does 'gestation' mean?
Gestation or ‘your gestation’ refers to how many weeks pregnant you are.
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What does 'maternity' mean?
Maternity is the period during pregnancy, when a person has a baby and shortly after childbirth.
What does 'telemedicine' or 'telehealth' mean?
You can have a consultation (appointment) with a health practitioner (nurse, doctor or midwife) in-person or through telehealth.
In-person: Where you and your nurse, doctor or midwife are physically present in the same location.
Telehealth: The use of information and communication technology to deliver medical care when you and your nurse, doctor or midwife are not in the same physical location. This may include the use of digital technologies like text/messaging, web chat, phone call and video call.
Telemedicine: A subset of telehealth, where a nurse, doctor of midwife is in one location and uses information and communication technology to deliver care and medicine to you at a distant/remote site.
For example, a telemedicine early medical abortion (EMA) is where you talk to a nurse, doctor or midwife over the phone or on a video call and then collect the medicines from a pharmacy, clinic or get them sent to you by courier.
What does ‘trimester’ mean?
A trimester is a period of three or about three months. A “normal,” full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks and can range from 37 to 42 weeks. It’s divided into three trimesters. Each trimester lasts between 12 and 14 weeks, or about three months.
What does ‘uterus’ mean?
The uterus or womb is part of the reproductive system of the female body. The uterus is the place a pregnancy starts and develops. Find out about your genitals (penis and vagina).
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Need to talk?
If you can’t find the information you are looking for on our website or just prefer to talk to us, there are a number of ways you can get in touch.