The risk was greater with abortions after 20 weeks—60 percent of complications were with medical abortions. For 57 medical abortions, they couldn’t even find the woman to follow up.
In 2020, the law was changed to remove the procedure from the country’s Crimes Act, a measure that had been in force since 1977.
The new law decriminalised abortion and allowed women to choose a termination up to 20 weeks into a pregnancy.
Women would be able to refer themselves to an abortion service provider without recourse to a doctor and would have to be made aware of counselling services.
Previously, two doctors were required to approve an abortion, and this could only happen if there was a “serious danger” to the health of the pregnant woman.
After 20 weeks gestation, a woman still has to go through the old system of seeing two doctors, who can only consent if it is “clinically appropriate.”
The vote in parliament was labelled a “conscience issue,” meaning that MPs did not have to vote along party lines. It was supported by 68 to 51.
‘Grim and Upsetting’
Conservative lobby group Family First said the latest abortion statistics make a “grim and upsetting” reading.“However, this is the sad reality which we predicted would happen when the law was changed,” they said.
“Our abortion law denies the humanity of the baby and creates inconsistency with other legislation and public health messaging for pregnant women which clearly recognises the rights of the unborn child.
“Anybody who has viewed the ultrasound of an unborn child will know that this law is a gross abuse of human rights.”
However, it’s highly unlikely the law will change back to a more conservative approach despite the change in government.
National Party leader and now Prime Minister Christopher Luxon made a firm pledge to stand by the current law prior to the last election, despite his pro-life stance.
He told reporters on the campaign trail he'd “absolutely” rather resign than change abortion access.
“There'll be no change to any of our abortion laws, funding or access—I’ve been really clear about that,” he said. “That is not our focus.”
Prior to the 2020 law change, pollsters Ipsos asked residents of several countries for their views on abortion.
Overall, three-quarters of New Zealanders (77 percent) said abortion should be permitted, either whenever a woman decides she wants one (51 percent) or in certain circumstances, such as if a woman has been raped (25 percent).
The result was higher than the global average of 68 percent and put New Zealand in ninth position in the world in terms of liberal attitudes on the issue.
