Your guide to a telemed early medical abortion

FREE for everyone eligible for funded healthcare in NZ

What is a telemed early medical abortion?

A Telemed Early Medical Abortion (telemed abortion) is a safe option to end a pregnancy if you are less than 10 weeks along. A telemed abortion is designed to be virtual and allows you to complete your abortion and pass the pregnancy tissue in your chosen safe space. With telemed abortions, you don't need to come into clinic, instead your nurse consultation will be done by phone and you can choose to either pick up the abortion medication from a pharmacy near you, or have it delivered to your home. Apart from blood tests and ultrasounds (if required), everything can be done virtually.

Suitable if less than 10 weeks pregnant

Involves taking two types of medication

We send you an abortion pack either by post, or for collection from your local pharmacy

Miscarry in your chosen safe space

How does a telemed abortion work?

Early medical abortion involves taking two different medications 24 hours apart – Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

The first pill, Mifepristone, works by blocking your body’s production of progesterone – the hormone that is needed for the pregnancy to continue growing.

The second pills, Misoprostol, cause the miscarriage to begin. These pills are taken 24 hours after the first pill. It is best to plan the day and time you wish to miscarry so that you can take time away from work, school, or any other commitments you may have.

You will experience cramps and bleeding after taking the Misoprostol. This is your body emptying your uterus. It is like having a very heavy, crampy period where you want to lie somewhere comfortable with a hottie on your tummy. What you experience is the same as a natural miscarriage. The Misoprostol triggers your uterus to contract; your body then naturally continues 
the process.

Recovery from a telemed medical abortion takes a few days. You may feel tired after your miscarriage, so take it easy during the days following. You can return to work, school, or any other commitments as early as the next day, so long as you feel up to it.

We provide you with the medications and guidance needed for you to safely miscarry at home. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to give us a call. We are here to support you 24/7.

Collecting the telemed abortion pack

Option one - By post

We can courier your Telemed abortion pack to an address of your choice. Your pack should arrive within 3-4 working days following your decision to proceed. Delivery for your medication is free. Your Telemed abortion pack contains the abortion pills, medication to help ease the discomfort, pain relief, a special pregnancy test (to be taken 21 days later), a guide of how to take the medication, and our after-hours phone number. Your requested contraception will also be included.

Discretion is key. We do not put our name or any identifying details on the package. No one will be able to tell what the package is from the outside.

Option two - Collect from the pharmacy

We can arrange for a prescription to be sent to a pharmacy near you, within 2 days of you deciding to proceed. We send the script straight to the pharmacy, so you only need to tell us where to send it and then collect it.

Your prescription includes the abortion pill and medication to help with discomfort. Your requested contraception will also be included. The pharmacist should not ask you any questions about your pregnancy or make any comments about your decision. There is no need for you to discuss this with them.

We will courier your 21-day pregnancy test to an address of your choice. Discretion is key. We do not put our name or any identifying details on the package. No one will be able to tell what the package is from the outside.

Our guide on how to take the medication, and our after-hours phone number will be emailed to you.

What are the steps of having a telemed abortion?

Reach out to us

  1. We will organise a blood test request, and book you in for a consult with one of our nurses over the phone

  2. You will need to have your blood test done at your local lab prior to your nurse consultation

Our nurses will talk to you to discuss your options and support

  1. You decide the direction of your journey and if you want to proceed with an abortion

If you choose to proceed, our nurses will help you plan when is best for you to miscarry

  1. Stock up on pads, movies, books, and snacks

  1. Prepare your safe and comforting space

Receive your abortion pack in the post or collect your medication from a local pharmacy

  1. Read the information emailed to you on how to take the medication

Safely miscarry in your chosen safe space

The following day one of our nurses will call to see how you are

Take it easy for the next couple of days

Take the provided pregnancy test 21-days after your miscarriage

Take the time to process your journey

Reach out to us for support and help at any time

Ready to take the next step in your journey?

Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak to one of our nurses. We are here to support you every step of the way. This is your journey.

Take the next step
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