Abortion reversal statement applauded

The Ministry’s statement says it does not support or recognise the practice, which is aimed at reversing the effects of taking early medical abortion (EMA) medication. The Ministry is concerned about reports ‘abortion reversals’ may be offered in New Zealand.  

New Zealand health professionals should not be providing or offering 'abortion reversal'. Several medical bodies have issued position statements against the practice, including the Royal Australia New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.  

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa chief executive Jackie Edmond says claims that abortion reversal is possible is clinically unsupported and gives comfort to the narrative that people seeking an abortion are uncertain about their decision or unable to make a decision.

“Abortion is health care. All health care should be delivered based on evidence-based, clinically informed information and practice. Imported anti-choice tropes such as abortion reversal have no place in the New Zealand health system. We applaud the Ministry’s statement,” Ms Edmond says.

 The Ministry of Health does not support or recognise the practice of ‘abortion reversal’ and is concerned about reports that this may be offered in New Zealand.

'Abortion reversal' is not established by clinical research trials and could lead to severe side effects and adverse outcomes.  

Heath professionals should not be providing or offering 'abortion reversal'. 

Those who promote the use of medicines for this purpose are breaching section 20 (2) of the Medicines Act 1981^1.

As a consumer of health services, you are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. If you (or someone you know) has been given advice about ‘reversing their abortion’ this may be a breach of your rights and we encourage you to contact the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC), or contact us at csaact@health.govt.nz.

For information and advice on pregnancy options you can visit Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa. For further support and information on abortion health services you can visit the national abortion telehealth service DECIDE. 

For further position statements on this issue please visit: 

• Royal Australia New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: No reputable evidence for ‘abortion reversal’ says RANZCOG. 
• Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners: Advice to members on ‘abortion reversal’
• American College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologists statement: Facts Are Important: Medication Abortion "Reversal" Is Not Supported by Science
• Joint statement of the Royal College of Obstetricians (RCOG), British Society of Abortion Care Providers (BSACP), Royal College of Midwives (RCM) and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH)  (PDF, 613 KB)