Your guide to a telemed early medical abortion

FREE for everyone eligible for funded healthcare in NZ

What is a telemed early medical abortion? An overview

An Early Medical Abortion (EMA) by post is a safe option to end a pregnancy if you are up to 10 weeks along. An EMA is designed for you to complete your abortion and miscarry in your chosen safe space. This can also be called a telemed medical abortion. Telemed means that you don’t need to come into a clinic and can do your nurse consultation by phone and choose to pick up your pack from a pharmacy near you or have it delivered to your home.

Suitable up to 10 weeks pregnant

Involves taking two types of medication

We write you a prescription to the pharmacy or post your medication to you

Miscarry in your chosen safe space

How does a medical abortion work?

Early medical abortion involves taking two different medications 24 hours apart – Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

The first pill, Mifepristone, works by blocking your body’s production of progesterone – the hormone that is needed for the pregnancy to continue growing.

The second pills, Misoprostol, cause the miscarriage to begin. These pills are taken 24 hours after the first pill. It is best to plan the day and time you wish to miscarry so that you can take time away from work, school, or any other commitments you may have.

You will experience cramps and bleeding after taking the Misoprostol. This is your body emptying your uterus. It is like having a very heavy, crampy period where you want to lie somewhere comfortable with a hottie on your tummy. What you experience is the same as a natural miscarriage. The Misoprostol triggers your uterus to contract; your body then naturally continues 
the process.

Recovery from a telemed medical abortion takes a few days. You may feel tired after your miscarriage, so take it easy during the days following. You can return to work, school, or any other commitments as early as the next day, so long as you feel up to it.

We provide you with the medications and guidance needed for you to safely miscarry at home. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to give us a call. We are here to support you 24/7.

How does a Telemed EMA work?

A Telemed early medical abortion (EMA) is designed for you to carry out your abortion in a space you feel safe and comfortable. You have two options to get your pack. Meaning you don’t have to travel into a clinic and you will receive your pack through the post or from a pharmacy near you.

Collecting the telemed EMA

Option one - By post

We can courier your Telemed pack to an address of your choice. Your pack should arrive within 3-4 working days following your decision to proceed. Delivery for your medication is free. Your Telemed pack contains the abortion pills, medication to help ease the discomfort, pain relief, a special pregnancy test (to be taken 21 days later), a guide of how to take the medication, and our after-hours phone number. Your requested contraception will also be included.

Discretion is key. We do not put our name or any identifying details on the package. No one will be able to tell what the package is from the outside.

Option two - Collect from the pharmacy

We can arrange for a prescription to be sent to a pharmacy near you, within 48 hours of you deciding to proceed. We send the script straight to the pharmacy, so you only need to arrive and collect it.

Your prescription includes the abortion pill and medication to help with discomfort. Your requested contraception will also be included. The pharmacist will not ask you any questions about your pregnancy or make any comments about your decision. Your prescription is confidential.

We will courier your 21-day pregnancy test to an address of your choice. Discretion is key. We do not put our name or any identifying details on the package. No one will be able to tell what the package is from the outside.

Our guide on how to take the medication, and our after-hours phone number will be emailed to you.

What are the steps of having a Telemed medical abortion?

Reach out to us

  1. We will organise a blood test for you at your local lab and book you in for a consult with one of our nurses over the phone

  2. Have your blood taken at your local lab

Talk with one of our nurses to discuss your options and support

  1. Decide the direction of your journey, and if you want an abortion

Receive your EMA pack in the post or collect your script from the pharmacy

Talk to one of our nurses and plan when is best for you to miscarry

  1. Stock up on pads, movies, books, and snacks

  1. Prepare your safe and comforting space

Safely miscarry

The following day one of our nurses will call to see how you are

Take it easy for the next couple of days

Take a pregnancy test 21-days after your miscarriage

Take the time to process your journey

Reach out to us for support and help at any time

Ready to take the next step in your journey?

Reach out online or call 0800 226 784 to speak to one of our nurses. We are here to support you every step of the way. This is your journey.

Take the next step