The national Telehealth abortion service, DECIDE, began on 7 November 2022 and provides telehealth abortion services across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Establishing DECIDE, was an important part of the ongoing work to improve timely and equitable access to abortion services.
The service includes the DECIDE website and the phone line 0800 DECIDE (0800 332433).
DECIDE connects people anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand to abortion information, advice, counselling, and early medical abortion (EMA) via telehealth, to ensure everyone has access to abortion services if they need them, regardless of who they are or where they live.
In-person services are still an important part of abortion care. DECIDE gives people options for the way they receive care. Telehealth makes it easier for people to reach the services and support that already exist, particularly those who find it difficult to visit a doctor or clinic. It also gives assurance to health practitioners that their patients have additional resources of support.
About the providers
DECIDE is provided by Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning) and Magma Healthcare. Both organisations are recognised experts in abortion care and have experience in providing sexual and reproductive health and abortion services via telemedicine.
Zero Data initiative
DECIDE is included in the Zero Data initiative which enables people to access the DECIDE webpage without requiring mobile data and the consequent cost.
For more information please see: www.zero.govt.nz.