How do I Start?
1
Confirm the pregnancy - there’s no point worrying unnecessarily.
The quickest, easiest and cheapest way is to buy a pregnancy test kit from any supermarket or pharmacy.
Most manufacturers claim the modern tests are 99% accurate. If there is any doubt, follow up tests can be done by a health professional.
2
Consider your options – find someone you trust, will offer support and listen.
An unplanned pregnancy often causes confused feelings and panic. It’s important to think about your situation carefully before making a decision.
AMAC provides decision counselling services if you need our assistance.
Options you may want to consider are:
- Continuing the pregnancy and parenting a child – Contact a GP or midwife for maternity care. There may also be financial assistance available to help. Visit http://www.workandincome.govt.nz for information and advice.
- Continuing the pregnancy and placing the baby for adoption or whangai – Contact your GP or a midwife for maternity care and visit http://www.cyf.govt.nz for information and advice.
- Ending the pregnancy by abortion – See STEP 3 below.
3
Accessing an abortion service.
Whichever abortion provider you choose, most allow you to contact them directly to arrange the required pre-abortion tests and an appointment for your procedure.
AMAC provides pre-abortion consultation service for those choosing to have abortion care at AMAC.
The required tests for procedures at AMAC are below:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL ABORTION PROCEDURES AT AMAC – Updated November 2020.
- Blood tests: First antenatal blood screen for those who are healthcare eligible. Blood group, Rh status and haemoglobin required as a minimum for non-healthcare eligible patients who are lacking finances for a full antenatal screen.
- High vaginal swab (requesting bacterial vaginosis testing).
- Chlamydia swab.
- Ultrasound dating scan to confirm the stage and location of the pregnancy.
MEDICAL ABORTION PROCEDURES up to 9 weeks (63 days) of pregnancy (1 visit)
SURGICAL ABORTION (1 visit) up to 14 weeks (98 days) of pregnancy
For all fees, please see How much does it cost?
4
The abortion procedure at AMAC
The choice of the service provider and abortion method is largely determined by:
- The stage of pregnancy.
- Abortion providers available in your area:
http://www.abortion.org.nz. - Eligibility for funded health care through your DHB: http://www.health.govt.nz.
- Choosing to pay for private abortion care.
A FEMALE DOCTOR IS NOT AVAILABLE EVERY DAY AT AMAC – PLEASE INFORM US IF THIS IS A REQUIREMENT FOR YOUR TREATMENT.
Pregnancies greater than 14 weeks – Abortion procedures at this stage of pregnancy are not performed at our day clinic. Please call AMAC for information on service options in New Zealand and overseas.
