West Coast

There is no local abortion service on the West Coast.

Most patients will be referred to the Gynaecology Procedure Unit in Christchurch for their abortion care. Buller residents will have the option of Christchurch or Nelson.

The First Step

To be referred, you can see a GP or Sexual Health Clinic

They will talk to you and organise for you to have essential blood and swab tests, and if you wish, book you into the Gynaecology Procedure Unit in Christchurch.

Counselling

A qualified pregnancy counsellor/social worker is available at at West Coast DHB facilities in Buller, Greymouth and Hokitika. They provide pregnancy counselling to all women covering the geographic region from Greymouth to Haast.

·       Phone: (03) 769 7400

·       The counselling service is free and confidential to any woman.

Follow-up counselling is available post procedure.

Medical Termination

Medical termination is available  at Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

Surgical Termination at the Christchurch Gynaecology Procedure Unit

The procedure is done by vacuum aspiration under local anaesthetic with sedation (awake but sedated).

Termination more than 13 weeks pregnant

If your pregnancy is more than 12 weeks and 6 days you will be assessed at the Christchurch Gynaecology Procedure Unit and referred to Christchurch Women's Hospital.

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.