Whakatahe Hapūtanga | Abortion services

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Whakatahe Hapūtanga | Abortion services

Covid-19 response

Abortion remains an essential healthcare service during COVID-19.

If you have an appointment scheduled, please click on the information below to see how this will be affected.

Your choice

We understand that unplanned pregnancies happen and that every woman has the right to choose for herself how to deal with the situation. Many factors may influence your decision to continue or terminate a pregnancy. Your values, beliefs, previous life experiences, society's attitudes, spirituality and cultural perspectives will all impact on your choice to:

continue the pregnancy and become a parent; or
continue the pregnancy and place the baby up for adoption or fostering; or
end the pregnancy with a termination, if you are legally able to do so.

Supporting you

We know it can be hard to make a decision about what to do and we are here to provide support. Counselling is available should you wish to explore feelings and issues related to an unplanned pregnancy and the options available. Post-termination counselling is also available.

If you think counselling would be helpful, phone (09) 631 0740 and choose option 3.

Our counselling services are free if you are eligible for publicly funded healthcare.

Getting an appointment.

Self-referral: Email us with your name, date of birth, NHI number (if known) and safe contact details at epsomdayunit@adhb.govt(external link).

Call: 09 631 0740

Epsom Day Unit is located at Greenlane Clinical Centre.

Timing for abortion services

First trimester services (before 12 weeks and 6 days)

The Epsom Day Unit (EDU) is for first trimester pregnancy termination.
The termination must occur before 12 weeks and six days' gestation.
If you think that termination is the right option for you, you can self-refer, or visit either your GP or Family Planning clinic.(external link) They can then refer you to us.

Epsom Day Unit (EDU) is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, doctors, social workers and administrative staff. Your information is kept confidential and not released without your consent.

Waiting time for your first appointment varies depending on how busy EDU is and the gestation of the pregnancy. Urgent appointments are available for patients referred in the late part of their first trimester. Appointment two is usually scheduled for between one and seven days after the first.

For more information on what to expect during your visit, please see our frequently asked questions.

Second trimester services (13 or more weeks pregnant)

If you are 13 or more weeks pregnant, you will be referred to your local District Health Board (DHB) for assessment.

The Epsom Day Unit will only accept referrals from a general practitioner for a pregnancy of 13 or more weeks if the woman lives within the Auckland DHB area.

If you are unsure about what to do, you can make a counselling appointment at the Epsom Day Unit without a referral from a doctor.

The law

On 24 March 2020 changes were made to the law to decriminalise abortion(external link), better align the regulation of abortion services with other health services and modernise the legal framework for abortion services in New Zealand.

The abortion legislation is available on the New Zealand Legislation website.(external link)

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a referral?

The region served by EDU runs from Mercer in the south to Warkworth in the north.
Referral to EDU is made by a general practitioner (GP) or from a Family Planning Clinic.
The appointment is made by telephone, then the scan and referral letter are faxed through to the clinic.
How much does a termination cost?

Termination services are free for New Zealand citizens and those on a work permit of two years or more. We check your eligibility for free treatment when you first arrive. If you cannot prove eligibility, our charges are $1,300. You can pay by cash or credit card.
Alternatively, you may wish to visit the Auckland Medical Aid Clinic (AMAZ) located in Central Auckland where you can be assessed for an abortion at a similar cost.
What methods are offered?

Epsom Day Unit offers two methods of termination of pregnancy. One is with medication and the other is with surgery.
You will be able to discuss your preferred method with the nurse and doctor, who will make the final decision based on what is most suitable for you.
Medication termination
From as early as five weeks and up to nine weeks, a pregnancy can be safely ended through the use of a combination of medicines that induce a miscarriage.
For more information, take a look at our page on medication terminations.
Surgical termination
From seven weeks up to 13 weeks, a pregnancy can be safely ended by a surgical procedure at EDU, which involves removing pregnancy tissue using a tube.
For more information, take a look at our page on surgical terminations.
Which option might be right for me?
The termination method you have depends on how many weeks pregnant you are (our pregnancy calculator can help you figure this out), your health and your personal choice.
What do I need to bring with me?
- If you were born in New Zealand bring either your passport or your birth certificate plus photo ID, such as a driver's licence or student ID.
- If you were not born in New Zealand, bring your passport to prove residency or citizenship.
Can I have an interpreter?

If you require an interpreter, please inform the Epsom Day Unit scheduler at the time of making an appointment. There is no charge for this service. Relatives and friends are not able to act as interpreters. Interpreters for women who have impaired hearing can also be arranged.
Is counselling available?

EDU offers counselling to help you decide what to do about an unplanned pregnancy. You will have a chance to talk with a nurse about the options, but if you need more time to consider your choice, you will be encouraged to speak to a counsellor in more depth. You can make an appointment with a counsellor for pre-decision and/or pregnancy options counselling before you ask for a doctor's referral to the EDU. We also provide counselling after you have had your termination.
If you decide to continue your pregnancy, we can assist with access to antenatal care and support. If you choose to have a termination, you will need to see your GP or Family Planning clinic for a referral if you have not already done so.
Is childcare available?

We do not have childcare facilities so please arrange for your children to be cared for while you are at the clinic.