Women's National Abortion Action Campaign

PRESS RELEASE FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY TUESDAY MARCH 8, 2011

Decriminalise Abortion. Now.

'New Zealand abortion laws remain an eloquent testimony to male power, self-interest, prurience and outright hypocrisy' said Di Cleary for the Women's National Abortion Action Campaign (WONAAC). 'The laws were passed 34 years ago. All four women in Parliament opposed them. Initially abortion was outlawed. Public outrage and an insufficient number of doctors willing to work under the draconian law led to amendments which allowed a more liberal interpretation.'

The degrading requirement of certification by two consultants was retained. The then mainly male 'gatekeepers' faced no scrutiny as to character other than their own recognisance. To be fair counsellors and consultants have worked to make the system as sympathetic as possible. Almost all requests for abortion are approved. The safety record is excellent.

Some areas still have no services. There are recurrent delays. The Abortion Supervisory Committee, tasked with administering the law, has failed to explain why it took two years to process an application to hand out pills for early abortion at a Family Planning Clinic! More paper work is required!

Medical and legal resources are squandered in the hardpressed pressed health and justice systems. Endless legal challenges wind through the courts.

'The good news is that there is surge of activity amongst young women committed to winning the right to choose. Politicians must stop using a conscience vote to protect their careers and party unity' said Ms Cleary. 'Women expect the same privilege: the right to exercise their conscience to protect their careers and other life choices'.

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