Pātiki and Waharua Kōpito patterns
Use of progesterone to reverse an abortion
There have been claims that medical abortion can be safely reversed by taking a dose of progesterone after a person has taken the first medical abortion medication, mifepristone.
These claims are not based on any reputable scientific evidence. RANZCOG, the leading body for obstetrics and gynaecology and women’s health in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, do not support the use of progesterone to reverse an abortion.
Abortion referrals
If the person has self-referred, it is recommended that there is an urgent escalation for a health practitioner assessment within 48 hours of referral.
Regardless, whether the person has been referred from a health practitioner, youth clinic, school or iwi run service, or has self-referred, it is recommended that there is an urgent escalation for a health practitioner assessment within 48 hours of referral.
Wellbeing and safety
Abortion can be a sensitive topic for some people and there are a variety of views about abortion services in Aotearoa New Zealand. Providers may wish to consider how they will ensure the wellbeing and safety of their staff and people accessing services through their facility. This may include:
- protecting the privacy of individual staff or health practitioners
- internal policies or procedures to handle protest activities, or any disruption or disagreement over provision of abortion services
- considering whether it is necessary to apply for a Safe Area around the provider premises.
Safe Areas — Ministry of Health (external link)
The Abortion Providers Group Aotearoa New Zealand (APGANZ) and New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (NZCSRH) offer peer support and professional development for abortion providers. You may wish to join one or both of these organisations.
Abortion Providers Group Aotearoa New Zealand (APGANZ) (external link)
New Zealand College of Sexual and Reproductive Health (NZCSRH) (external link)