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ABORTION
pregnancy not feeling right for you?
Abortion, or termination of pregnancy, is probably one of the biggest "taboo" subjects out there.
We want to break down the barriers and stigma attached to abortion and normalise it as an aspect of women's healthcare because that is exactly what it is.
In New Zealand, abortion is now (finally) legal. Our government is starting to provide equitable healthcare for our NZ wahine and celebrate women's bodies and choices.
fast facts
One in four women on this planet will have an abortion in their lifetime.
New Zealand is no different.
Women will seek abortion care whether it is legal or not.
In New Zealand, over 50% of our abortions occur in women in their twenties.
Termination can be safer than continuing a pregnancy until term.
It is compulsory for abortion services to offer counseling services. You can use these services at any time throughout the process.
what is abortion?
Abortion, or termination of pregnancy, is the deliberate ending of a pregnancy.
There are multiple ways that terminations can occur, and these are dependent on your choice and how far along in the pregnancy you are.
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Medical
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Where you take a medicine to stop the pregnancy from progressing, then a different one to start contractions to pass the pregnancy tissue
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Surgical
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Where you undergo a minor surgical procedure called vacuum aspiration. A small plastic suction device is placed into the womb and pregnancy tissue is removed
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where to go
Your GP is always a good first point-of-call, but they do cost money.
Now abortion is legal, you can refer yourself!
Take a look at the following:
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Click here to access Abortion Services in New Zealand to look at a great website with more information.
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DECIDE is New Zealand's new abortion TeleHealth service, click here to be taken to their Providers page to search your area.
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Or scroll below to select your region and see what is available near you!
Know that you do not have to be 100% in your decision - you can go along, talk to someone, and change your mind at any point
click on your region
pic of nz here $3 each
Northland
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12 weeks | How to access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Family Planning Whangarei | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | - | - | Location: 1a Roberts, Street, Whangarei
Phone: 09 4381986 or 0800 372 546
Website: http://www.familyplanning.org.nz | @ need to check |
Whangarei Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 14 weeks of pregnancy, usually performed under general anaesthetic (asleep) | Late Medical Abortions for pregnancies over 14 weeks are provided up to 20 weeks and in certain circumstances can be up to 22 weeks. | Location: Whangarei Hospital, Hospital Road, Whangarei
Phone: (09) 430 4100
Counselling phone: (09) 430 4101 ext 7411 | Funded through public health system |
Auckland
Waikato
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12 weeks | How to access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thames Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. One visit, performed under local anaesthetic (sedated, not asleep) | No public funding for abortion over 13 weeks in the Waikato region except in the case of fetal anomoly. You can access privately funded abortion in Auckland via referral from your GP or Family Planning doctor | Location: Mackay Street, Thames. PO Box 707
Phone: (07) 868 6550, Bookings 0800 328271 | Funded for residents/valid visa holders |
Waikato Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. One visit, performed under local anaesthetic (sedated, not asleep) | If over 13 weeks, you will be referred to the Waikato abortion service; they will assess you and may refer you to Auckland. Surgical termination over 13 weeks performed at Greenlane hospital in Auckland. | Location: Elisabeth Rosswell Building, Waikato Hospital, Private Bag 3200, Waikato
Phone: (07) 839 8957 or for bookings 0800 32 8271 | Funded for residents/valid visa holders |
Bay of plenty & Lakes
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12 weeks | How to access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rotorua Hospital | - | Up to 14 weeks and 6 days under local anaesthetic (awake). | If over 14 weeks and 6 days, then contact your health practitioner or Tauawhi for advice. | Location: Te Aka Tauwhi Tangata - Women's Clinic (Tauawhi), Rotorua Hospital, Cnr Arawa & Ranolf Street, Rotorua
Phone: 0800 726 447, (07) 349 7945
Email: tops@lakesdhb.govt.nz | Funded for residents/valid visa holders. |
Rotorua Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 14 weeks and 6 days under local anaesthetic (awake). | If over 14 weeks and 6 days, then contact your health practitioner or Tauawhi for advice. | Location: Te Aka Tauwhi Tangata - Women's Clinic (Tauawhi), Rotorua Hospital, Cnr Arawa & Ranolf Street, Rotorua
Phone: 0800 726 447, (07) 349 7945
Email: tops@lakesdhb.govt.nz | Funded for residents/valid visa holders. |
Tauranga Family Planning | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | - | - | Location: Tauranga Family Planning, 17 Courtney Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga
Phone: (07) 578 8539 | @@@ |
tairawhiti
where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12 weeks | How to access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gisborne Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy | Up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. Under local anaesthetic (awake) | If over 14 weeks, or there are significant medical or personal reasons you will be referred to Te Mahoe Unit in Wellington Hospital. | Location: 141 Bright St, Gisborne, 4010
Phone: 06-868 9005 | Funded for residents/valid visa holders |
Taranaki
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12 weeks | How to access | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Taranaki Base Hospital | Over 10 weeks of pregnancy, will be admitted to the Hospital to pass the tissue | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy, under general anaesthetic (asleep). Under local anaesthetic can be an option for some patients. | Surgical abortion up to 15 weeks is available in specific circumstances. | Location: Taranaki Base Hospital, David Street, Westown, New Plymouth 4310
Referral through New Plymouth Sexual Health Clinic (see above) | Funded for residents/valid visa holders |
New Plymouth Sexual Health Clinic | Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy - available at Taranaki Base Hospital. | Unavailable from here, but can refer to Taranaki Base Hospital. | Location: New Plymouth Sexual Health Clinic, 188 Powderham St, New Plymouth
Phone: 0508 739 432 (free call) | @@@ |
whanganui & mid-central
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12-13 weeks | Contact info | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Women's Clinic | Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Under local anaesthetic (awake). | If requiring abortion over 15 weeks, women will be referred to the Te Mahoe unit in Wellington | Location: The Women's Clinic, 591 Church Street
Palmerston North
Phone: 0800 226 784
Email: reception@thewomensclinic.net.nz | Funded through public health system |
Capital & coast, Hutt valley, wairarapa
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12-13 weeks | Contact info | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Women's Clinic - Wairarapa Hospital | Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Under local anaesthetic (awake). | If requiring abortion over 15 weeks, women will be referred to the Te Mahoe unit in Wellington | Location: The Women's Clinic, Selina Sutherland Unit, Wairarapa Hospital, Te Ore Ore Road, Masterton
Phone: 0800 226 784
Email: reception@thewomensclinic.net.nz | Funded through public health system |
Hutt Valley Hospital | Will be referred to Te Mahoe Unit unless exceptional circumstances requiring treatment at Hutt Valley Hospital | Will refer to Te Mahoe Unit unless exceptional circumstances requiring treatment at Hutt Valley Hospital | Will be referred to Te Mahoe Unit unless exceptional circumstances requiring treatment at Hutt Valley Hospital | Location: The Terrace Unit, 620 High Street, Lower Hutt
Phone: (04) 566 6999 | Funded through public health system |
Te Mahoe Unit, Wellington Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. If less than 7 weeks can have medications on the same day; if 7-9 weeks, will need to return later on the same day, or a different day for the second medication. | Up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. | If requiring abortion from 14 - 19 weeks, surgical abortion can be performed under a general anaesthetic. | Location: Te Mahoe Unit, Level 3, Wellington Hospital, Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
Phone: (04) 806 0761 | Funded through public health system |
Te Mahoe Unit, Wellington Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 14 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Performed under local anaesthetic (awake). | If requiring abortion from 14 weeks and 6 days - 19 weeks, surgical abortion can be performed under a general anaesthetic. If local, require 2 day schedule. If out of town, allow for 3 days. | Location: Te Mahoe Unit, Level 3, Wellington Hospital, Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
Phone: (04) 806 0761 | Funded through public health system |
nelson-malborough
Where to go | medical abortion | surgical abortion | abortion over 12-13 weeks | Contact info | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Civic Health | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Will refer to Wairau Hospital for women up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. | If requiring abortion over 13 weeks, then will be referred to the Te Mahoe Unit in Wellington. | Location: 22 Arthur Street, Blenheim
Phone: 03 578 0199
Email: reception@civichealth.co.nz | Funded through public health system. If requiring referral to Te Mahoe Unit, then you may be directed to WINZ if you are in financial difficulty. You can claim under a Special Needs Grant for $300.00 for travel expenses. |
Wairau Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Performed under general anaesthetic. | If requiring abortion over 13 weeks, then will be referred to the Te Mahoe Unit in Wellington. | Location: Wairau Hospital, Cnr Hospital & Taylors Pass Roads, Blenheim
Phone: (03) 520 9999 | Funded through public health system. If requiring referral to Te Mahoe Unit, then you may be directed to WINZ if you are in financial difficulty. You can claim under a Special Needs Grant for $300.00 for travel expenses. |
Nelson Hospital | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Performed under general anaesthetic. | If requiring abortion over 13 weeks, then will be referred to the Te Mahoe Unit in Wellington. | Location: Nelson Hospital, Tipahi Street, Nelson
Phone: (03) 546 1800 | Funded through public health system. If requiring referral to Te Mahoe Unit, then you may be directed to WINZ if you are in financial difficulty. You can claim under a Special Needs Grant for $300.00 for travel expenses. |
canterbury, south canterbury
Where to go | Medical abortion | Surgical abortion | Abortion over 12-13 weeks | Contact info | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timaru Hospital and Community Services | Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. | If requiring abortion over 13 weeks and 6 days, you will be offered inpatient medical abortion. | Location: Gynaecology Unit, Timaru Hospital
Queen St, Parkside, Timaru
Phone: (03) 687 2100
Website: https://www.scdhb.health.nz/services/womens-health/womens-health-gynaecology | Funded through public health system. |
Ashburton Hospital | Most often refers to Gynaecology Procedure Unit at Christchurch Hospital. Medical abortions available up to 8 weeks.- | Most often refers to Gynaecology Procedure Unit at Christchurch Hospital. Surgical abortions performed up to 13 weeks, under local anaesthetic (awake). | If requiring abortion over 12 weeks and 6 days, will be reviewed by Gynaecology Procedure Unit and referred to Christchurch Women's Hospital where medical induction of labour is offered. | Location: Ashburton Hospital, Elizabeth Street, Ashburton. Phone: (03) 308 4149 | Funded through public health system. Will need to organise transport to Christchurch. |
Christchurch Women's Hospital | - | - | Medical abortions over 12 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy for Canterbury, South Canterbury, West Coast regions. | Location: Christchurch Women's Hospital, 2 Riccarton Avenue, next to Christchurch Public Hospital
Phone: (03) 364 4699
Website: http://www.cdhb.govt.nz | Funded through public health system. |
Gynaecology Procedure Unit | Up to 9 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 13 weeks of pregnancy. Performed under local anaesthetic (awake) | If requiring abortion over 12 weeks and 6 days, will be reviewed by Gynaecology Procedure Unit and referred to Christchurch Women's Hospital where medical induction of labour is offered. | Location: Gynaecology Procedure Unit, Riverside Block, 4th Floor, Christchurch Public Hospital, 1 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch
Phone: (03) 378 6386 | Funded through public health system. |
west coast
where to go | medical abortion | surgical abortion | abortion over 12-13 weeks | contact info | cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Te Nikau, Grey Hospital | Telehealth: Less than 9 weeks pregnant and meet criteria. Medications are sent, or can be picked up.
Outpatients: Up to 9 weeks. If you don't want a telehealth abortion, or don't meet criteria, book to see a Doctor at Te Nīkau. | Up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Performed under local anaesthetic (awake, but sedated) | If requiring abortion over 12 weeks, will be referred to the Gynaecology Procedure Unit at Christchurch Hospital. | Location: Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre, 71 Water Walk Road, Greymouth 7805
Phone: 03 378-6386
Māori counsellor phone (Hokitika based): (03) 756 9700 ext 7907, or 0272 445 999 | Funded through public health system. |
southern
Where to go | Medical abortion | surgical abortion | abortion over 12-13 weeks | contact info | cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Women's Clinic, Southland | Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. | Up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Performed under local anaesthetic (awake, but sedated). | If requiring abortion over 15 weeks, then will be referred to Dunedin, the Te Mahoe unit in Wellington or a Private Auckland Consultant. Usually for abortion under general anaesthetic (asleep) and requires the woman to travel the day before the procedure and stay overnight. | Location: The Women's Clinic, 165 Esk Street, Invercargill
Phone: 0800 226 784
Email: reception@thewomensclinic.net.nz
Website: http://www.thewomensclinic.net.nz | Funded through public health system |
Dunedin Hospital | Up to 9-10 weeks of pregnancy. Available over 10 weeks for serious fetal anomalies. | Up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. Performed under general anaesthetic (usually), but sometimes under local anaesthetic. | Surgical abortion over 15 weeks under general anaesthetic. | Location: Dunedin Hospital, 201 Gt King Street, Dunedin
Phone: (03) 4709400 (Day Surgery Unit) or 0800 867 7342 | Funded through public health system |
Northland
Auckland
Waikato
BOP/Lakes
Tairawhti
Taranaki
Whanganu/mid
Capital
nlson
canty
west coast
southern
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