Abortion (termination of pregnancy)

If you are pregnant and do not want to continue with the pregnancy, you have the option of an abortion. This is a well-established, safe health care procedure. It is a free service for most New Zealand citizens and residents.

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. 

Pregnancy testing — Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (external link)

You can work out how many weeks pregnant you are using a pregnancy calculator. 

Am I pregnant? — DECIDE (external link)

Considering your options

When you have confirmed that you are pregnant, you can decide on the best option for you.

It is up to you 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.

No one needs to know about your pregnancy or abortion. It is your decision who you tell but it can sometimes be supportive to talk to someone you trust.

Talk to a health professional

There are many health professionals you can talk to, including:

If you do not have a healthcare provider, you can enrol with one. 

Find a GP — Healthpoint (external link)

If you are at school, the school nurse or counsellor could also help.

You can also get counselling from your local abortion provider. This is free for most New Zealand citizens and residents.

Find an abortion provider — DECIDE(external link) (external link) (external link)

Your rights when accessing abortion services

Accessing an abortion is confidential, no one will be told without your permission.

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.

DECIDE has more details about your rights to do with abortion services.

Abortion and your rights — DECIDE (external link)

Types of abortion

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

  • medical abortion (taking medicines to end your pregnancy)
  • surgical abortion (minor operation).

The type of abortion available to you will depend on:

  • how many weeks pregnant you are
  • your medical history
  • what is available in your region.

Up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, you may be able to have a medical abortion at home. 

DECIDE has detailed information on:

  • abortion types
  • when in your pregnancy different abortion types are available
  • information about abortion
  • access to abortion providers.

DECIDE (external link)

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.