Menu
Log in to My Health Record
Log in to My Health Record

Abortion

Find out how to access abortion services in Aotearoa New Zealand. You can also read about abortion methods, what help and support is available, and how to make a complaint.

Abortion services are free for most New Zealand citizens and residents

Abortion services are free for most people in Aotearoa. You might need to pay for an ultrasound scan and prescription fees. Your abortion provider should let you know if there are any costs.

Paying for abortion and after care costs

You will likely have to pay for an abortion and any after care costs if:

  • you are not a New Zealand citizen or resident
  • you are not on a minimum 2 year working visa.

Abortion costs if you are not a New Zealand resident can range between NZ$950 and $5,500. This depends on the provider and type of abortion.

Eligibility for publicly funded health services in New Zealand — Te Whatu Ora (external link)

Types of abortion in Aotearoa New Zealand

There are 2 types of abortion in Aotearoa New Zealand. These are:

  • medical abortion — this involves taking pills to end the 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.

Abortion is generally a safe procedure. But it requires different interventions as the pregnancy progresses. It is best to talk to a healthcare provider as soon as you can if you are considering an abortion.

You can find more detailed information on abortion methods on the DECIDE website.

Abortion types — DECIDE

  • Abortion up to 20 weeks

    A qualified healthcare provider may provide abortion services without consulting another health practitioner. This can only happen within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

    In Aotearoa, most abortions happen during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

  • Abortion after 20 weeks

    If they believe it is clinically appropriate, a qualified healthcare provider may provide abortion services after 20 weeks. They will consider:

    • your physical and mental health
    • your wellbeing
    • the gestational age of the fetus (how many weeks pregnant you are).

    They must consult with another qualified health practitioner before providing an abortion. But they do not need to agree with the other practitioner.

    A very small percentage of abortions happen after 20 weeks.

  • Live birth after an intended abortion

    From 22 weeks of pregnancy, feticide takes place before the abortion. Feticide is an injection to stop the fetal heart.

    It is very unlikely that a live birth happens after an intended abortion.

    A live birth sits outside the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977. It is no longer considered an abortion. As with all live births there is a requirement to provide care as required. This is a complex matter. What care is relevant will depend on clinical assessment of the baby by the practitioner. They will develop a care plan:

    • under relevant standards and best practice guidance
    • in consultation with the parents.

    Oranga Tamariki may be involved if parents are:

    • unwilling to provide care
    • unable to provide care.

  • Sex selection abortion

    The New Zealand Parliament opposes abortions that are sought because of a preference for a particular sex.

    Abortion providers must report how many abortions are sought for this reason.

Who can provide an abortion

Doctors, midwives and some doctors can provide abortions. They must:

  • hold a current practising certificate
  • have the necessary qualifications
  • have abortion permitted within their scope of practice.

This means they may be able to provide some abortion services but not others. For example, they may be able to prescribe abortion medication. But they are not able to perform a surgical abortion.

Help and support

Finding out you are pregnant is different for everyone. If you are pregnant and are considering an abortion, there is help available.

DECIDE

DECIDE is a service provided by Family Planning and Magma Healthcare. Their website has information about pregnancy options, including where to access abortion services.

They are also a national abortion telehealth service. You can also speak to a trained health professional for free on 0800 332 433 who can:

  • provide advice
  • provide counselling
  • arrange the medical abortion pill over the phone
  • help you arrange in-person care.

DECIDE (external link)

Healthcare providers, nurses and midwives

You can also talk to your healthcare provider, a nurse, or midwife. They can provide more information about abortion services. They can also refer you to an abortion counsellor if you need support, before or after an abortion. Abortion services can also refer you to a counsellor.

Accessing abortion services

Abortion is legal in Aotearoa New Zealand. A list of abortion providers is available on the DECIDE website. You may have to travel to another region to access abortion services if they are not available in your area.

Find an abortion provider — DECIDE (external link)

Your rights when accessing abortion services

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 you are having an abortion. But you may find it helpful to talk to someone you trust.

You do not have to have counselling as part of accessing abortion services. But it must be available and offered to you. Whānau may support you during counselling sessions.

Conscientious objection to abortion

Some health practitioners, or other staff members, may have a conscientious objection to abortion. This means they can decline to discuss, provide or assist with an abortion.

In this case they must tell you:

  • at the earliest opportunity
  • how to find the contact details of the closest doctor, nurse or midwife who can provide the service.

If they do not, you can make a formal complaint to either:

  • the Ministry of Health
  • the Health and Disability Commissioner.

If it is a medical emergency and you need urgent care, they must help you.

Making a complaint

Abortion is a health service. Healthcare providers must follow the law. They must also follow certain regulations, standards and guidelines.

If you are not happy with the service provided or want to make a complaint, there are several options. You can contact:

Last updated: