Te whakatahe (te aukati hapūtanga) Abortion (termination of pregnancy)
Confirming you are pregnant
You need to do a pregnancy test to confirm that you are pregnant. You can buy a test from a pharmacy or supermarket. You can also see your healthcare provider or Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa.
You can work out how many weeks pregnant you are using a pregnancy calculator.
Considering your options
When you have confirmed that you are pregnant, you can decide on the best option for you. You can decide to:
- continue the pregnancy and be a parent
- continue the pregnancy and choose adoption, fostering, whāngai or find an option appropriate to you and your whānau (family)
- end the pregnancy by having an abortion.
It is up to you as the pregnant person to decide if you want to have an abortion. You do not have to tell your partner, whānau or friends that you are having an abortion.
If you decide to have an abortion, it is easier if it is done as early as possible in the pregnancy.
Getting help with your decision
Talk to someone you trust
You may want to talk to someone you trust, such as your partner, a friend or a whānau member.
If you are a young person, it is a good idea to talk to a parent or another trusted adult if you can.
Talk to a health professional
There are many health professionals you can talk to, including:
- your usual healthcare provider
- Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
- the National Abortion Telehealth Service (DECIDE) by calling 0800 332 433
If you are at school, the school nurse or counsellor could also help.
You can also get counselling from your local abortion provider.
Types of abortion
There are 2 types of abortion in Aotearoa New Zealand. They are:
- medical abortion — this involves taking pills to end your pregnancy
- surgical abortion — this involves a minor operation.
The type of procedure available to you may depend on many factors, including:
- how far along you are in your pregnancy
- your medical history
- access to support and emergency medical care.
Up to 9 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, you may be able to have a medical abortion at home.
You can find more detailed information on abortion methods on the DECIDE website.
Where to get an abortion
If you want to get an abortion, you can contact these places.
DECIDE
Call DECIDE on 0800 332 433
They can help you find a provider near you. If you are less than 10 weeks pregnant, they may be able to arrange an abortion over the phone.
Early medical abortion by phone — DECIDE (external link)
Your local abortion provider
You can contact a local abortion provider directly, without the need for a referral from your healthcare provider.
Find an abortion provider — DECIDE (external link)
Your healthcare provider or Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
Speak to your healthcare provider or Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa and ask for details of a local abortion provider. If your doctor, nurse or midwife objects to abortion, they must refer you to another health practitioner.
Cost of an abortion
Abortion services are free for most New Zealand citizens and residents.
You might need to pay for an ultrasound scan and prescription fees. Your abortion provider will tell you if there are any costs.
You will likely have to pay for an abortion and any aftercare costs if:
- you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident
- you are not on a minimum 2 year working visa.
Clinical review
This content was written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. It has been adapted for Health Information and Services.