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New Zealand women deserve the right to choose. Abortions in New Zealand are only allowed under certain set grounds in the Crimes Act. This must change. Abortion is a health issue, not a crime.



A Brief History of Abortion in New Zealand >>

New Zealand law was based on English law.
1803 Before the 19th Century in England, common law held that an abortion was permissible if carried out before quickening (foetal movements) i.e. about 18-20 weeks gestation. In 1803 in the reign of George III, Lord Ellensborough’s Act, a repressive “law and order” measure made abortion a felony both before and after quickening, although the penalty before quickening was less severe.
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Abortion Laws: Why we Need a Change >>

The Present laws

The grounds for abortions are in the Crimes Act 1961 and amendments: Serious danger to the life or to the physical or mental health of the mother. Risk that the child would be severely handicapped, physically or mentally. Pregnancy as a result of incest or unlawful sex with a guardian. Severe mental subnormality of the mother.
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The Procedure

The procedures are in the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act (CS&A Act) 1977 and amendments and they are administered by the Ministry of Justice, not Health. The Abortion Supervisory Committee (ASC) oversees this Act and reports directly to Parliament. The ASC maintains a list of about 200 “certifying consultants”, doctors who must approve all requests for abortion and provide the legal certificates. Currently they are paid $135 for each consultation.
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Did you know that..?

1/ Fetal abnormality is not a ground for a late abortion, despite a strong recommendation from the ASC that it should be.
2/ Socio-economic circumstances cannot be taken into account although inability to provide adequate care is a common reason for deciding not to continue a pregnancy.
3/ Contraceptive failure is not a ground for abortion, even for the woman who has taken all precautions to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.
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What is Wrong with These Laws

1/ They are expensive.
2/ They are unrealistic.
3/ They are punitive, punishing women for contraceptive “mistakes”.
4/ The procedures are unnecessarily complicated and erect barriers to good health care.
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ALRANZ Believes

That abortion services need to be complemented by a comprehensive programme of education plus freely available contraceptive services. Since no method of contraception is 100% reliable, abortion will always be necessary as a backup.
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Decriminalisation >>

What is decriminalisation.
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Politics of Abortion>>

Official information about all Members of Parliament.
For official information about select committees.
Information on political parties.
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