A Brief History of Abortion Laws in New Zealand
Abortion Laws: Why we need a change
Having an Abortion in New Zealand
Illegal Abortions in New Zealand - a History Project
International Perspective - abortion in other countries
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Members belong to an organisation which wants to see the present laws changed.
We support a woman's right to choose.
We want the law changed to allow women free choice – to be able to choose whether to continue with an unplanned pregnancy or to obtain an abortion. At present this does not happen. The decision is made by two doctors called certifying consultants.
We consider abortion is a health matter not a crime.
WE KNOW THERE MUST BE SAFEGUARDS:
- Every surgical abortion must be carried out under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner, in a clinically safe facility and abortions must be freely available throughout New Zealand.
- Medical abortions must be carried out within a safe distance of emergency medical support should that be required.
- Women must be able to have abortions as early and as safely as possible.
- Unbiased counselling must be available before a woman makes her decision and afterwards if required.
- Contraceptive advice and services must be freely and widely available to avoid more unwanted pregnancies.
- Unsafe backstreet abortions must never be allowed to return.
WE WANT TO SEE:
- Education in human relationships taught in all schools including the social, ethical and physical aspects of sexuality.
- Easy access to birth control facilities providing a full range of methods and pregnancy testing.
- Prescribed contraceptives available free of charge.
- Sterilisation for men and women readily available in public hospitals or clinics free of charge.
- Safe medical methods of abortion as an option for New Zealand women.
- More research into improved methods of fertility control
WE BELIEVE:
- That children are important. Every child needs to be loved and wanted.
- That abortion is not the ideal solution to the problem of unplanned pregnancies. The emphasis must be on prevention.
- That abortion should not be a substitute for contraception but a backup in case of failure.
- That high ethical and medical standards must be maintained when abortions are carried out.
- That anti-abortionists should not be allowed to impose their views on others.
- That people who conscientiously object to abortion should not be required to participate in the procedure.
- that abortion is a health matter, not a crime.
IF YOU SHARE OUR VIEWS, PLEASE JOIN US. WE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS. Click below:
Abortion Law Reform Association of
New Zealand (Inc.)
PO Box 28-008 Wellington