Introduction of early medical abortion in New Zealand: an audit of the first 67 cases.

Background: In New Zealand, mifepristone became available in 2001, but because of uncertainty about the law, the first 67 cases were carried out under a very strict protocol. Once the prostaglandin had been administered it was necessary that the woman remain in the unit until the products of conception (POC) had been passed and, if this had not occurred within 8 h, she underwent suction curettage.

Aims: To demonstrate that an early medical termination of pregnancy (EMTOP) service could be offered as a safe option for women, despite the constraints of the law.

A woman's choice.

Abortion is now the most common gynaecological operation in New Zealand and Australia. Early legal abortion is a safe procedure whether carried out surgically or medically. In contrast, the traditional use of abortifacients has been mostly unscientific, illegal and shrouded in secrecy.