Abortions in New Zealand Increase by 25% Since Decriminalisation
Since abortion was completely decriminalized in 2020, the number has increased from 12,948 in 2019 to 16,214 in 2023.
The risk was higher with abortions after 20 weeks—60 percent of complications were with medical abortions. For 57 medical abortions, they were unable to locate the woman for follow-up.
In 2020, the law was revised to eliminate the procedure from the country’s Crimes Act, a regulation that had been in effect since 1977.
The new law legalized abortion and permitted women to opt for a termination up to 20 weeks into a pregnancy.
Women would be able to refer themselves to an abortion service provider without consulting a doctor and would have to be informed about counseling services.
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Previously, two doctors had to authorize an abortion, and this could only happen if there was a “serious danger” to the health of the pregnant woman.
Post 20 weeks gestation, a woman still needs to follow the old system of consulting with two doctors, who can only agree if it is “clinically appropriate.”
The vote in parliament was termed a “conscience issue,” indicating that MPs were not obligated to vote in alignment with party stances. It was backed by 68 to 51.
The law revision took place under Jacinda Ardern’s Labour government, but was opposed by coalition partner New Zealand First—even though the party had indicated support for the bill until a clause was withdrawn which would have necessitated a referendum.
‘Grim and Upsetting’
Conservative lobby group Family First remarked that the latest abortion statistics make for a “grim and upsetting” read.
“Nevertheless, this is the sad reality we foresaw would unfold when the law was altered,” they expressed.
“Our abortion law negates the humanity of the baby and creates incongruity with other legislation and public health guidelines for pregnant women which unequivocally recognize the rights of the unborn child.
“Anyone who has seen the ultrasound of an unborn child will perceive that this law constitutes a severe infringement of human rights.”
However, the likelihood of the law reverting to a more conservative stance is very slim despite the government change.
National Party leader and current Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon made a resolute commitment to support the existing law before the most recent election, despite his pro-life viewpoint.
He stated to journalists on the campaign trail that he would “absolutely” resign before altering abortion access.
“There’ll be no amendments to any of our abortion laws, funding, or access—I’ve been very clear about that,” he stated. “That is not our top priority.”
Prior to the 2020 law revision, pollsters Ipsos polled residents of various nations for their opinions on abortion.
In general, three-quarters of New Zealanders (77 percent) opined that abortion should be allowed, either whenever a woman decides she wants one (51 percent) or in specific circumstances, such as if a woman has been assaulted (25 percent).
The outcome was higher than the global average of 68 percent and positioned New Zealand at ninth place globally in terms of liberal attitudes on the topic.
