Yesterday (23 February) Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall announced a new National Abortion Telehealth Service, in an effort to improve equitable access to abortion services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The free service, called DECIDE, will focus on enabling people to access early medical abortions and will include information, advice, referrals, counselling and consultations with health practitioners, giving women a free and flexible option.

“The service was a definite step forward and it should reduce the stigma and other challenges people face when trying to access abortion services,” says Family Planning chief executive Jackie Edmond.

“While we have seen a growing demand for virtual consultations and advice, DECIDE isn’t a replacement for other face-to-face services, it’s about more options.”

The service is funded by the Ministry of Health and operated by Family Planning New Zealand and Magma Healthcare.

Read the Minister’s announcement here.

Read more on Stuff here.