There were 17,940 abortions reported in New Zealand in 2008.Right to Life New Zealand is pleased with the reduction of 440 abortions on the 18,380 abortions performed in New Zealand in 2007. This is good news for our unborn children and their mothers. We believe that one of the reasons for the decrease is the increasing recognition in the community that abortion not only destroys an innocent and defenceless unborn child but is also harmful to the physical and mental health of women.

Right to Life is concerned about the lawfulness of many of the abortions authorised in 2008. The statistics for 2008 reveal that 98% of abortions performed were authorised on the grounds of serious danger to the mental health of the mother, this statistic has been constant since 1977. This conclusion on the lawfulness of these abortions is supported by the judgment of Justice Miller, in the High Court in Wellington, in the judicial review of the Abortion Supervisory Committee. [ASC]   For latest 2008 Abortion Stats go to the Right Sidebar of homepage.

Justice Miller stated in his judgment that “there is reason to doubt the lawfulness of many abortions authorised by certifying consultants. Indeed the Committee itself has stated that the law is being used more liberally than Parliament intended.”

“In my opinion, the statistics and the committee’s comments since the Court of Appeal made that observation, do give rise to powerful misgivings about the lawfulness of many abortions. They tend to confirm Dr Forster’s view that New Zealand has abortion on request.”  Dr Christine Forster was previously chairperson of the ASC from June 1993 to August 2001, a period of nearly eight years.

Right to Life believes that many innocent and healthy unborn children have been deprived of their life unlawfully; this is a grave injustice and a violation of their right to life.It also permits the exploitation and abandonment of women.

Right to Life is also concerned at the increase in repeat abortions in 2008. Of the 11,312, 63% of the total abortions were a woman’s first abortion. While 6628, or 37 % were repeat abortions, an increase of 2% on the total of repeat abortions for 2007.

Right to Life requests that the government promote a culture of life by fostering adoption as a loving life affirming option. This is preferable to life destroying abortion which promotes a culture of death.

Ken Orr

Spokesperson,

Right to Life New Zealand Inc.