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. For more information on what to expect during your visit, please see our frequently asked questions. Timing for abortion services First trimester services (before 13 weeks and 2 days) The Epsom Day Unit (EDU) is for first trimester pregnancy termination. The termination must occur before 13 weeks and 2 days' gestation. If you think that termination is the right option for you, you can self-refer, or visit your GP for them to refer you. 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. 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 accepts self referrals and referrals from a general practitioner, midwife or nurse 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 please phone or email. Phone: 09 631 0740 Email: with your name, phone number, date of birth and any safety issues we should be aware of at The law On 24 March 2020 changes were made to the law to decriminalise abortion, 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.

How AMAC can help me? We are Experts in Our Field. Auckland Medical Aid Centre Ltd (AMAC) has been providing professional abortion and contraception services for more than forty year. Our years of experience and commitment to this specialised area of Womens health mean we understand and acknowledge that our patients require a timely service with non-judgemental, empathetic and experienced health professionals. At AMAC we can assist you with individualised medical abortion, surgical abortion, pregnancy counselling and contraception services usually within five days of your request. If you require assistance or advice on any of our services we welcome your enquiries on 09 6386040 or email: 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 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.