Taranaki Base Hospital
Initial appointments are at Taranaki Sexual Health Clinic. Medical abortion is available at the clinic. Surgical abortion up to 13 weeks is available at Taranaki Base Hospital.
National Abortion Telemedicine Service
A nationwide early medical abortion by phone service (up to 10 weeks of pregnancy) is also available directly by contacting The Women's Clinic on 0800 ABORTION (0800 226 784) or via the website www.thewomensclinic.net.nz/contact
The First Step
You can call the clinic directly. If we are unable to answer please leave a clear message and you will be called back as soon as possible. To be referred, you can see a GP or Family Planning doctor. The clinic doctor will talk to you and organise some essential blood and swab tests, and offer you a counselling appointment if you wish.
Counselling
Counselling can be arranged through the pregnancy choice counsellors at the Taranaki Base Hospital, but you may also be seen at one of the other local centres: Hawera, Stratford, Opunake, Patea, Waverly, Waitara, Mokau Health Centres.
Medical Termination
Medical termination is available at all gestations. Up until 10 weeks of pregnancy you will be able to take the medications and miscarry at home. If you are above 10 weeks gestation you will be admitted to Taranaki Base Hospital for you to pass the pregnancy.
Surgical Termination at Taranaki Base Hospital
The procedure is done by vacuum aspiration under General Anaesthetic (asleep) up to 13 weeks of pregnancy (15 weeks in special circumstances) Having the procedure under local anaesthetic (awake) may be an option for some patients.
Follow up
Follow-up is provided by the referring doctor or the operating doctor if preferred by the patient. Follow-up counselling is available in the Counselling Department if needed.