Early medical abortion for pharmacists: mifepristone and misoprostol

For community pharmacists planning to dispense EMA medicines.

From 1 November 2022, medicines used for early medical abortion (EMA) will be available on prescription for dispensing in community pharmacies. Medical abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by using medicines and not surgery to induce a miscarriage. EMA is available up to ten weeks (i.e. 70 days) after the start of the last period.

This course will provide the knowledge necessary to safely and sensitively dispense EMA medicines (mifepristone and misoprostol), understand what to expect, and how best to support a pregnant person receiving EMA medicines.
By the end of this course you should know:

• What kinds of abortion are available in New Zealand (NZ)
• The medicines used in EMA
• The process of EMA in NZ, including pre-abortion assessment and aftercare
• How to apply for a Safe Area (voluntary)

You can also refer to the NZCSRH training for those who want to provide first trimester abortion services.

Acknowledgments

This content was created by Connie Kang BPharm(Hons) with the support of Manatū Hauora.