Frequently asked questions

To understand what procedure is best for you, you can book a consultation and speak with one of our nurses. The nurse will gather information from you and talk you through your options. There are some factors such as gestation and location which limit what abortion options are available to you through The Women’s Clinic.

When we phone you, it will come from an unknown number. Depending on your phone settings, it might not actually ring. This is because some phones, by default, block unknown numbers.

If you think this is happening to you, please check your phone settings:

• For Android users: Open your phone app and select “More” (the three dots). From there, tap Settings > Blocked numbers and check that “Unknown” is off.
• For iPhone users: Navigate to Settings > Phone and check that “Silence Unknown Callers” is off.

Gestation is the time between the egg being fertilised (when the egg meets the sperm) and birth. During this time, the pregnancy develops in the uterus.

Gestational age refers to how far along in the pregnancy someone is. It is measured in days and weeks and is calculated from the date of your last period or by ultrasound scan.

If your gestation is seven weeks, you are approximately seven weeks pregnant.

1. • Why does gestational age seem different from conception?
     Gestational age is the length of pregnancy measured from the first day of Last Menstrual period ( LMP). Conception or fertilisation is when the sperm and egg join together. Pregnancy is counted from the first day of the woman’s last period, not the date of conception which generally occurs 2 weeks later. For example, if your gestation age is 7 weeks, you would have become pregnancy approximately 5 weeks ago.

There are lots of calculators you can use on the internet to help work out your gestation. These tools rely on knowing the first day of your last period.

Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are infections that can spread during intimate sexual contact.

• Medical abortion: STI testing is an optional part of the abortion journey. You can choose to self-swab, which screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. Individuals with these infections often have no symptoms, so testing is important.
• Surgical abortion: An STI swab is taken by the doctors as part of the procedure, but it is optional. The swab screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas.

Additionally, blood tests screen for infections like syphilis, HIV, and Hepatitis B.

• Blood test: Confirms pregnancy.
• Ultrasound: Confirms how far along you are (gestation) and ensures the pregnancy is inside the uterus.

After a medical abortion, we confirm you are no longer pregnant using either:

• A special pregnancy test at home.
• A blood test.

Surgical abortions do not require follow-up testing.

A blood test is needed to confirm pregnancy. We cannot prescribe medication or organize a procedure without confirmation.

An ultrasound is required to:

• Confirm gestation (how far along you are).
• Ensure the pregnancy is inside the uterus (to rule out ectopic pregnancies).

Yes, we understand that abortion can bring up a range of emotions. Speaking to a counselor in a safe space can help.

• Counseling is available for free to those eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand. Private patients will need to arrange their own counseling support.
• Counseling is private and confidential.

Yes, pre-decision counseling is available for anyone unsure about having an abortion. We can arrange a referral for you.

Yes, pre-abortion counseling is available if you have decided on an abortion but need extra emotional support before taking the medication or having the procedure.

Yes, post-abortion counseling is available. Everyone processes abortion differently, and support is here if you need it.

Counseling is provided by external professionals. We send a referral to the counseling team in your area.

A referral is sent when you book your appointment to ensure the soonest possible counseling session.

If you are close to the gestational limit for a medical (9–10 weeks) or surgical abortion (15 weeks), urgent referrals are made to avoid delays.

Absolutely. Let us know at any point, and we can arrange a referral for you.

Yes. You do not need to have made a decision to speak with us. We are here to provide information, support, and guidance, regardless of the path you choose.

Your first nurse consultation will usually take between 45 minutes and 60 minutes.

Our nurses are trained professionals who gather information about your medical history and pregnancy. This ensures that:

• Your abortion options are safe and tailored to you.
• You are fully informed about the process, risks, and after-care.

Understanding your medical history and current situation helps us provide the safest and most personalized care.

Contraception is important to prevent unintended pregnancies after an abortion. If you are eligible for healthcare in New Zealand, contraception is funded for up to six weeks post-abortion.

Yes, do not hesitate to call us with questions or concerns. We are here to help.

For surgical abortion: The after-hours number is on your after-care information sheet.

For medical abortion: The after-hours number is in the email with your courier tracking details or in the email confirming which pharmacy your prescription was sent to.

The after-hours number is for urgent medical concerns. You should call if:

• You vomit up your medication within the first hour of taking it.
• You have a fever and feel very unwell.
• You have been bleeding very heavily for 2 hours and it won’t settle.
• You cannot manage or control the pain.

Our office is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Outside these hours, weekends, and public holidays are considered after-hours.

Yes. We respect your privacy:

• No information is shared without your permission.
• Letters to your GP are sent only with your consent.
• If we send you anything in the post, it will not have The Women’s Clinic name or any identifying information on the packaging.

Our care is judgment-free. Every person who contacts The Women’s Clinic is treated with compassion and respect. If you experience otherwise, please let us know through our feedback form.

Yes. If you need time off work, study, or other commitments, we can provide a medical certificate. The certificate will not mention The Women’s Clinic or the procedure.

Your GP will only be notified if you ask us to send them a letter.

Contraception is the best way to prevent pregnancy if you are having sex. Our nurses can discuss your options and help you choose the best method. Fertility returns quickly after an abortion.

It’s not unusual to feel anxious during this journey. If you need urgent help, there are nationwide helplines like Anxiety NZ (0800 ANXIETY).

Alternatively, you can contact us at 0800 226 784 for support or to arrange counseling.

Yes. If you need a translator, let us know so we can arrange support.

Medical abortion may not be suitable if:

• You are more than 10 weeks pregnant.
• The pregnancy is outside the uterus (e.g., ectopic pregnancy).
• You have a medical condition that makes it unsafe.
• You are allergic to abortion medication.

Surgical abortion may not be suitable if:

• You are 15 or more weeks pregnant.
• You are unable to tolerate the procedure while awake.

No. Abortions do not increase the likelihood of ectopic pregnancies.

You can have sex as soon as you feel ready and comfortable. We recommend waiting for heavy bleeding to stop.

You can return to swimming whenever you feel ready. Once bleeding slows down, it is safe to use tampons or menstrual cups.

Your period will usually return within 4–8 weeks.

Your first period may be different—heavier, lighter, or clotty. This is normal.

It is possible for your first period to be clotty. This is normal.

It may look different. Everyone’s experience is unique, and variations in flow, clots, or timing are all normal.

While undergoing a medical abortion, we recommend using pads. Wait 24 hours after passing the pregnancy tissue before using tampons or a menstrual cup.

We do not recommend medication is taken outside of NZ, as we are unable to support you if you are overseas.

We recommend avoiding overseas travel for at least a week to monitor for complications.

Brown bleeding is common and normal during the abortion process or recovery.

An offensive or strong vaginal discharge may indicate an infection. Please contact us for advice.

Pain varies, but many compare it to strong period cramps. Pain relief will be provided to help manage discomfort.

Use the pain relief provided, apply heat packs, take a warm shower, or wear comfy clothes. A support person can help rub your back or comfort you.

Cramping typically eases once the pregnancy tissue has passed.

Medical abortions are very safe, but risks include:

• Continued pregnancy.
• Retained tissue requiring further treatment.
• Heavy bleeding (rare).
• Infection (rare).
• Allergic reaction to the medication.

Testing confirms the abortion was successful and ensures no retained tissue remains.

CheckTOP: A urine test kit you can use at home to check if the pregnancy has ended taken 3 weeks after a medical abortion.
Blood test: A blood test 5-7 days after taking the medication to confirm pregnancy hormone levels have dropped.

Complete the test 21 days after taking the first pill.

Yes, contact us and we will send you another.

Contraception can be started immediately after a surgical abortion or the day after taking the second medication for a medical abortion.

Mirena: Contains a small amount of hormone.

Copper IUD: Non-hormonal.

You may be eligible if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
• An Australian resident living in New Zealand for 2+ years.
• Holding a 2+ year work visa.

If you are unsure, please contact the clinic to discuss you eligibility.

• Funded patients: Abortion services are free.
• Private patients: Click here to view costs.

• Funded patients: Most services (blood tests, prescriptions, and STI tests) are free. Some ultrasound scans may cost $60–$120. Some pharmacies have a standard prescription charge of $5 per item.
• Private patients: Costs vary for lab tests, ultrasounds, and prescriptions.