Clear answers, compassionate care, and space for whatever you are feeling.
If you are considering an abortion, start here
Finding out you are pregnant can bring many questions. You may feel certain about what you want, or you may need time, privacy and someone to talk to. Both are okay. This guide explains early medical abortion (sometimes called the abortion pill) in Auckland and New Zealand, including how to access care, what to expect physically and emotionally, and when to ask for help. At The Women’s Health Hub, our approach is clinical, calm and centred on you — without pressure or judgement.
What is a medical abortion, and how does the abortion pill work?
Early medical abortion uses two medicines. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which a pregnancy needs to continue. Misoprostol, taken later according to your individual instructions, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. You will usually experience cramping and bleeding after misoprostol. This is different from emergency contraception (the morning-after pill), which does not end an established pregnancy. Read more about our early medical abortion service.
How many weeks pregnant can I be for the abortion pill in New Zealand?
Medical abortion at home is commonly offered in early pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The Women’s Health Hub provides early medical abortion within its clinical gestational limit. If you are uncertain about your dates, have irregular periods, are breastfeeding or recently used contraception, tell us so we can assess whether an ultrasound is needed. If you are further along, we can discuss referral to another appropriate service; you still have options.
Do I need a GP referral or an ultrasound before an abortion?
You can contact The Women’s Health Hub directly; a GP referral is not required. Your first appointment includes questions about your last period, symptoms, medical conditions, medications, pregnancy history and personal circumstances. A scan is not automatically needed for every person, but it may be recommended when dates are uncertain or there are signs that require assessment, including possible ectopic pregnancy. Blood tests may also be arranged. We explain why any investigation is needed and what happens next.
What happens at the first medical abortion appointment?
Your registered midwife will explain your options and answer your questions privately. If you decide to proceed and medical abortion is clinically suitable, we discuss consent, the medicines, a practical treatment plan, pain relief, expected bleeding, warning signs, support at home, and how we confirm the abortion is complete. You can discuss cultural needs, accessibility, privacy or a support person. You do not have to attend counselling to access an abortion, but support is available if you would like it.
How painful is a medical abortion?
Cramping can be considerably stronger than ordinary period pain and varies from person to person. It often intensifies during the hours after misoprostol, then eases. Your midwife will explain suitable pain relief and when to take it. A heat pack, comfortable clothes, fluids and a quiet place to rest may also help. Severe, persistent or one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, fainting or pain that does not settle with recommended treatment needs urgent assessment.
How much bleeding is normal after taking abortion pills?
Bleeding is expected and can initially be heavier than a period, with clots. Lighter bleeding or spotting can continue afterwards. However, soaking two full-sized pads per hour for two consecutive hours, feeling faint, or having very large clots warrants urgent medical advice. Fever of 38°C or higher, persistent worsening pain or offensive discharge also need medical review. If you have severe symptoms, attend an emergency department or call 111. Having some bleeding does not by itself confirm that the abortion is complete.
How long does a medical abortion take, and should I take time off work?
There is the medication process and there is the full episode of care. Most of the strongest cramping and bleeding occurs in the hours after misoprostol, but timing varies and follow-up is necessary. Plan to be somewhere comfortable with access to a bathroom, sanitary pads, food, drinks and pain relief. If possible, avoid demanding commitments on your treatment day. Some people return to routine activities quickly; others need more rest. Ask us about a confidential medical certificate if you need one.
How do I know whether the abortion has worked?
Bleeding and cramping are expected, but neither proves the abortion has completed. We make an individual follow-up plan, which may include pregnancy hormone (hCG) blood tests or a special low-sensitivity pregnancy test several weeks later. Please complete the follow-up requested even if you feel well. Contact us if you have little or no bleeding after misoprostol, persistent pregnancy symptoms or any concern about treatment completion.
Can I feel emotional, overwhelmed or depressed during or after an abortion?
Yes. Feelings can be complex, and there is no single emotional response. Some people primarily feel relief; others feel sadness, uncertainty, grief, anxiety or several emotions at once. Feeling emotional does not mean your decision was wrong. Pregnancy hormones change during pregnancy and fall after it ends, and these physical changes may affect mood for some people. Circumstances such as relationship pressure, exhaustion, privacy concerns, previous mental-health difficulties or an especially difficult decision can also matter. We should not assume that hormonal changes alone explain prolonged low mood, or that abortion itself causes depression. If sadness, anxiety or distress persists, interferes with everyday life or feels hard to manage, please reach out for professional support.
Is counselling available before or after a medical abortion?
Absolutely. Counselling is your choice, not a requirement for abortion care. At The Women’s Health Hub you can discuss how you are feeling and ask for help finding appropriate counselling or therapy before or after treatment. We can guide you towards further post-abortion support if you need it, including when ongoing support falls outside our clinic’s own service timeframe. Our care is holistic in the sense that we attend to your emotional wellbeing, practical needs and clinical safety together — without imposing any particular emotional response or decision. Read about abortion counselling and support. If you feel at risk of harming yourself or cannot stay safe, call 111 or seek urgent help.
Will an abortion affect my ability to get pregnant in the future?
An uncomplicated abortion does not generally reduce future fertility. Ovulation can return quickly, sometimes before your next period. If you wish to avoid another pregnancy, we can discuss contraception and refer or prescribe where appropriate. You do not have to decide on a method immediately, and your preferences matter.
How much does an abortion cost in Auckland or New Zealand?
Abortion care is free for most people eligible for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand, though eligibility and any charges for external tests must be checked. For people who are not eligible for publicly funded care, The Women’s Health Hub offers a private early medical abortion pathway for NZ$500, covering the consultation, medicines and up to two weeks of clinical follow-up. External laboratory testing or ultrasound may involve additional charges when indicated. See our up-to-date costs and funding information for details.
Can I have an abortion privately, and who will know?
Your consultation is confidential and your preferences about safe communication are important. We explain how clinical information is recorded and shared as required to provide safe care. If you do not want a voicemail, text or email sent to a shared device, let us know how we can contact you safely. You can attend with a trusted support person if you wish; your treatment decision remains your own.
Where is The Women’s Health Hub, and how can I book?
We provide midwife-led early medical abortion, miscarriage and early pregnancy care from 139 Union Road, Howick, Southeast Auckland. Publicly funded clients attend in person. Initial phone consultations may be available for clinically suitable private non-resident clients. We aim for a welcoming, individual approach, with direct on-call clinical support during the treatment episode. Request a confidential appointment, call or text 021 296 1487, or visit contact us. You do not need to have everything worked out before reaching out.
Trusted information and further reading
This guide was prepared for The Women’s Health Hub using New Zealand clinical guidance and patient resources. For additional independent information, see DECIDE: What to Expect, DECIDE: After an Abortion, and Health New Zealand: Abortion.
Reviewed: November 2026. This guide is general information and does not replace a personalised assessment or your own treatment instructions.