3 January 2026
Pretoria Gordon
A sexual and reproductive health specialist says a recent rise in abortion numbers reflects improved access to care rather than an increase in demand.
There has been a 37 percent increase since abortion was decriminalised in New Zealand - from 12,948 in 2019 to 17,785 in 2024.
The Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977 and the Crimes Act 1961 were amended in March 2020.
28 April 2025
Monique Steele
Access to abortion and contraceptive healthcare has improved in New Zealand in recent years, but there are concerns women who live in remote or rural areas face greater challenges to accessing this care than their urban-dwelling counterparts.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health reviewed certain matters under the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act (1977), and how the law was working in the years following a legislative change which decriminalised abortion and integrated other health services to it, in 2020.
Facebook
Google+
Twitter
LinkedIn