Early medical abortion with The Women’s Clinic - safe, private, and your way
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What Is an early medical abortion?Telemed medical abortionsIn-Clinic medical abortionsWatch our video on medical abortionsFrequently asked questionsThe first steps - before your nurse consultationYour blood testYour nurse consultationDuring your nurse consultReceiving your pillsWhat to expect after taking the medicationWatch our video on the first stepsQuestions or concerns?
At The Women's Clinic, we offer the early medical abortion (EMA) for people who are under 10 weeks pregnant by:
- Telemed early medical abortion – fully remote with nurse consultation by phone
- In-clinic early medical abortion – includes a face-to-face consultation
Each option allows you to safely and privately complete the process in your chosen safe space, whether that’s your home or with a friend.
What is an early medical abortion?
An early medical abortion(EMA), uses medication to end a pregnancy without surgery. It is a safe and effective method that mimics a natural miscarriage and can be completed in the privacy of your home or safe chosen place.
The Process
- Mifepristone – blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy.
- Misoprostol (taken about 24 hours later) – causes the uterus to contract and empty.
Most people experience cramping and bleeding within a few hours of taking the second medication. The experience can be like a very heavy period, with stronger cramping, so we encourage you to choose a time and place where you feel safe and supported.
Our early medical abortion options
Option 1: Early Medical Abortion - Telemed
Phone Consultation and follow up + medication via courier or pharmacy
No clinic visit is required. You’ll have a phone consultation with a nurse, and then we’ll send your medication by:
Option A: Courier delivery
- Discreet, unmarked packaging
- Delivered within 3–4 business days
- No cost for delivery
- Includes:
- Abortion pills
- Pain relief and anti-nausea medication
- Contraception (if requested)
- Pregnancy test (for 21-day follow-up) or an HCG blood test taken 5-7 days following the medication
- Step-by-step medication guide and after hours contact information will be emailed to following your consultation
Option B: Pharmacy pick-up
- Prescription will be sent to your nearest dispensing pharmacy within 2 working days.
- You pick it up discreetly — no explanation is required
- We’ll courier the pregnancy test and instructions to your home separately or arrange for a follow-up HCG blood test to confirm termination is complete.
Option 2: Early Medical Abortion – In-Clinic Consultation
Available to patients who live in Midcentral, Whanganui or Southland or Private patients who want to travel to our clinic.
Prefer a face-to-face appointment? You can:
- Meet with a nurse in person at one of our clinics
- Undertake an Ultrasound in clinic during your consultation
- May receive your abortion pack the same day
- Ask questions and talk through contraception options
- Return later if you need more time to decide or would like to talk with a counsellor.
View our clinic locations
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe?
Yes — early medical abortions are one of the safest procedures available and widely used in Aotearoa and globally.
Will I need an ultrasound?
Only if medically required. Your nurse will guide you based on your situation.
What if I change my mind after the consultation?
That’s okay. You’re in control. We’ll support you at your own pace — there’s no pressure.
See all frequently asked questions
The first steps of your journey - before your nurse consultation
When you reach out to us, either by phone, email, or via our booking form, you will be greeted by one of our administrators. They will guide you through our process. You need to have had a positive pregnancy test before we book an appointment.
Your blood test
We will order your blood test online OR email you a pathology form to take to the lab. All you need to do is arrive at the lab and have your blood taken.
No one at the lab will ask you about why you are having a blood test, or if you are considering an abortion. The lab sends us your blood test results electronically and these are confidential. The results of your blood test will be discussed with you during your consultation with the nurse.
We need you to have a blood test to:
- Confirm you are pregnant.
- To measure your hormone levels to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are.
- To measure your haemoglobin levels to ensure you are not anaemic.
You need to have your blood test at least 48 hours before your nurse consultation. If you haven’t managed to visit the lab, that’s okay, let us know and we will move shift your consultation with the nurse by a day or two to give you time.
Your nurse consultation
Over the phone
On the day and time of your consultation our nurse will call you. We call from an unknown number to keep things confidential. Although your consultation is over the phone, our nurse is there to support you through every step.
In the clinic
On the day and time of your consultation you will meet with the nurse at one of our clinics. The nurse will take you to a private room so you can chat. You are welcome to bring a support person.
During your consult you and the nurse will talk about:
Your general health and anything that may affect your care.
Your pregnancy. The nurse will discuss the results of your blood test and ask you questions such as the date of your last period.
Your home situation – where you live and who you live with. We will discuss your support network and anyone you may want to invite on your journey.
Further support around your decision. If desired, we can refer you to a counsellor who specialises in abortion care. This can be either before making your choice, or after your abortion.
Once the nurse has understood all of the above, they will discuss your abortion options with you. If an early medical abortion is still the preferred pathway, they will explain how the process works, what it involves, and what you can expect.
If future contraception is something you are interested in, then this will also be discussed.
Receiving your pills
Once you have had your consultation and it is confirmed early medical abortion is suitable for you, we will arrange the medications. You will receive this either at your in-clinic appointment OR a prescription will be arranged OR your courier parcel will be prepared.
Option 1: Early Medical Abortion - Telemed
Phone Consultation and follow up + medication via courier or pharmacy
No clinic visit is required. You’ll have a phone consultation with a nurse, and then we’ll send your medication by:
Option A: Courier delivery
Option B: Pharmacy pick-up
Option 2: Early Medical Abortion – In-Clinic Consultation
Available to patients who live in Midcentral, Whanganui or Southland or Private patients who want to travel to our clinic.
View our clinic locations
What to expect after taking the medication
Bleeding & Cramping – Usually begins within hours of the second medication, like a heavy period. You may experience cramps which are likely to be stronger than period pain. You will experience bleeding (heavier than a period) and may pass clots.
Relief Timeline – Most people pass the pregnancy within a few hours
Recovery – Many return to normal activities within 1–2 days, but rest longer if needed
Follow-Up Call – The nurse will call you the next working day after you have taken the medication
Follow-Up Test – Use the pregnancy test we provide 21 days after the first medication or complete an HCG blood test to confirm the abortion is complete
We understand that you may have many questions
The nurse is there to answer all of these for you. There is no such thing as a stupid question, or too many questions. Information is key to feeling confident in your decision.
If you would like to chat to a counsellor about how you are feeling, and what you are thinking, we can put you in touch with one.
Remember, this is your journey and if you need time to think about your options, then that is okay. We are here to support you whether or not you proceed with an abortion.
We are here to facilitate your journey whichever way that may take you.
Get in touch
Ready to take the next step in your journey?
Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak with our patient care team. We are here to support you every step of the way. This is your journey.
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