Your guide to a surgical abortion
What is a surgical abortion?
A surgical abortion is a procedure to remove the pregnancy using gentle suction.
Suitable if less than 15 weeks pregnant
Involves a quick procedure
You come into one of our clinics
What’s involved in getting a surgical abortion?
Before deciding on your procedure, you will talk with one of our nurses who will help you to decide if a surgical abortion is the right option for you, we call this a nurse consultation.
You can meet with the nurse by coming into one of our clinics for your consultation, or you can talk with them over the phone. Whichever is more convenient for you.
In-clinic consultation
If you have an in-clinic consultation, you may also undergo an ultrasound. If you decide to proceed with a surgical abortion, you will be booked to come back to our clinic within 14 days for the surgical procedure.
If you would like time to think about your decision, that is okay. We can book you in at a later date.
Over the phone consultation
If you have a phone consultation, you may be required to have an ultrasound. This can be done at one of our clinics or at a radiology facility. If safe to proceed with a surgical abortion, you will be booked within 14 days to come to our clinic for the surgical procedure.
If you would like time to think about your decision, that is okay. We can book you in at a later date.
How does a surgical abortion work?
A surgical abortion is a procedure that uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy tissue.
The procedure involves coming into one of our clinics for around three hours, although the procedure itself only takes about 10 minutes. You are more than welcome to bring a support person with you.
Your first half an hour in clinic is spent with one of our nurses. They will talke you through the steps of your procedure, what to expect, and guide you over the paperwork. You will be given two types of medication. The first medication is to help with any discomfort. The second medication, Misoprostol, prepares your body for the procedure.
Over the next hour, the Misoprostol will begin preparing your body for the procedure. You can either cosy up in one of the chairs in our recovery room or head out of the clinic – it’s up to you. You will begin to experience cramps and start to bleed. It will be like having a very heavy, crampy period.
After an hour, one of the nurses will take you through to the procedure room. The doctor will pass a small tube through your cervix and into your uterus. Gentle suction is applied to empty your uterus. Throughout the procedure, one of our nurses will be by your side.
After your procedure, you will spend time in our recovery room. The nurse will check in on you to see how you are and prepare you to head home. You will be able to walk out of the clinic 30 minutes after your procedure. It is not safe to drive after taking the medication we give you to help with the discomfort. It is best to have someone drive you home.
You are welcome to bring a support person with you. Your support person can sit beside you in the recovery room before your procedure and/or hold your hand during. It is up to you to invite them on the steps you are comfortable with. If you prefer knowing your support person is there but not right beside you, they can always wait in our waiting room.
Recovery takes a day or two. You may feel tired after your procedure, so take it easy during the days following. You can return to work, school, or any other commitments as early as the next day, as long as you feel up to it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe?
Yes — surgical abortion is one of the safest procedures available and widely used in Aotearoa and globally.
Will I need an ultrasound or blood test?
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.
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.
Your blood test is a standard antenatal screening test. No-one at the lab should ask you why you are having a blood test or if you are considering an abortion. This is not something you need to discuss with them. 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 measure your hormone levels to confirm how many weeks pregnant you are. And we also test:
- Confirm you are pregnant.
- To measure your haemoglobin levels to ensure you are not anaemic.
- To find out what blood type you are.
- For blood-borne STI such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphillis.
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 your consultation with the nurse by a day or two to give you time.
Your ultrasound
You may need to have an ultrasound before or during your consultation. We will let you know when you contact us to book an appointment or during the consultation.
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 someone you trust along with you.
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 a surgical 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.
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.
See all frequently asked questions
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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