The procedure at AMAC
The patient may eat a light breakfast before arrival at the clinic. Parking is available in spaces marked 'AMAC' or 'Tow-away' at the rear of the building. The front entrance to the clinic is on Dominion Road, where a double security screen door ensures patient identification and safety. The patient is encouraged to bring a support person, althought the clinic is not suitable for children.
The receptionist will request the patient to complete the booking forms, process the payment, then show her through to a private room where the patient will be comfortable for the day.
The nurse/counsellor will check and source all required letters and test results. The nurse/counsellor will initially interview the patient alone, in order to ensure privacy regarding the abortion request and past medical history etc. is not breached. A medical and contraceptive history is taken from the patient, the procedure and options explained, including specific details of the chosen method of contraception. Counselling is offered to all patients but it is not imposed; however the nurse/counsellor will need to ask some personal details in order to produce a written report for the two certifying consultants (doctors), to support the patient’s request for abortion. This part of the procedure can take from 30 – 60 minutes depending on the requirements of the individual patient. If the patient wants a partner or support person to accompany her during this session the nurse/counsellor will include that person as soon as privacy requirements have been established. Once this initial interview is complete, the nurse/counsellor will give the patient an appointment time to return to meet the operating doctor then the patient may leave the clinic for a light lunch.
The operating doctor is a certifying consultant (the law in New Zealand requires 2 certifying consultants to approve the abortion), s(he) will meet the patient shortly after lunch. The doctor will assess the patient alone; to ensure that the patient is not under any external pressure or influence to have an abortion that she herself does not want. This doctor will answer any questions the patient may have and sign any appropriate documentation. If this doctor approves the abortion, the patient will be directed to the second doctor who is also a certifying consultant.
The 2nd doctor is also a certifying consultant and will meet with the patient if the operating doctor has approved the abortion. The interview will be in private, to consider the request for abortion. The doctor will answer any questions that the patient may still have. The patients’ health, contraceptive history and future requirements will be discussed. If this second doctor also agrees the abortion is legal and justified she will administer the required medication to soften and dilate the cervix (Misoprostol tablets). It takes about 45 minutes to work effectively and is the start of the abortion procedure. If a patient has any doubts about proceeding with the abortion, she should not take this medication due to the possible effects on an on-going pregnancy. A sedative tablet can also be given at this time if the patient feels nervous about the operation.
From here on, what happens depends on the method chosen. Click to choose either either the surgical procedure or the medical procedure.
More medical detail is available on this website under the section doctor's info.