The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora has published a position statement on ‘abortion reversal’ to warn New Zealanders against this unsafe and scientifically unsupported practice.
The Ministry does not support or recognise the practice, which is aimed at reversing the effects of taking early medical abortion (EMA) medication. The Ministry is concerned about reports ‘abortion reversals’ may be offered in New Zealand.
Clinical research trials have not found ‘abortion reversal’ to be effective, and it could lead to serious side effects and adverse outcomes.
If someone decides to change their mind after beginning a medical abortion, they should discuss their options with their GP or abortion care provider.
New Zealand health professionals should not be providing or offering 'abortion reversal'. Several medical bodies have issued position statements against the practice, including the Royal Australia New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
Consumers of health services are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. If someone has been given advice about ‘reversing their abortion’ this may be a breach of their rights. The Ministry encourages them to contact the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) by calling the freephone number 0800 555 050.
Anyone who promotes the use of progesterone for ‘abortion reversal’ is breaching section 20 (2) of the Medicines Act 1981, because progesterone is not approved for this purpose. If convicted of such a breach, an individual can face imprisonment of up to six months or be fined up to $20,000. Body corporates who are in breach of 20 (2) can be fined up to $100,000 if convicted.
Early medical abortions are a clinically safe and effective form of abortion for those whose pregnancy is under 10 weeks’ gestation. People can get support and information on abortion health services from the national abortion telehealth service DECIDE – phone 0800 DECIDE.
