'Abortion reversal' is not established by clinical research trials and could lead to severe side effects and adverse outcomes.
Heath professionals should not be providing or offering 'abortion reversal'.
Those who promote the use of medicines for this purpose are breaching section 20 (2) of the Medicines Act 19811.
As a consumer of health services, you are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. If you (or someone you know) has been given advice about ‘reversing their abortion’ this may be a breach of your rights and we encourage you to contact the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), or contact us at [email protected].
For information and advice on pregnancy options you can visit Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa. For further support and information on abortion health services you can visit the national abortion telehealth service DECIDE.
For further position statements on this issue please visit:
- Royal Australia New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: No reputable evidence for ‘abortion reversal’ says RANZCOG.
- Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners: Advice to members on ‘abortion reversal’
- American College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists statement: Facts Are Important: Medication Abortion "Reversal" Is Not Supported by Science
- Joint statement of the Royal College of Obstetricians (RCOG), British Society of Abortion Care Providers (BSACP), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH) (PDF, 613 KB)
1. Although there are exemptions listed in 20(1). Those who sell, distribute or advertise the use of new medicines for this purpose are deemed to be in breach of section 20 (2) of the Medicines Act 1981. If convicted of such a breach an individual can face imprisonment of up to six months or be fined up to $20,000. While Body corporates who are in breach of 20 (2) can be fined up to $100,000 if convicted.
