Media Release 18 June 2014
Right to Life is encouraged that the number of abortions in 2013 announced by Statistics NZ, reveals a further continuing reduction in the number of unborn children killed before birth. There were 14,073 abortions in 2013. This is the lowest number of abortions since 1995 [13,652]. Right to Life believes that there is a an increasing awareness that abortion is the murder of the innocent and violence against women. There is also an increasing awareness that abortion damages women’s health with an increased risk of breast cancer, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide, grief, anger,regret and increased depression. Right to Life commends those brave and courageous women who when faced with an unplanned pregnancy chose life for their child. These are truly heroic women who deserve our admiration and support. Right to Life also commends the majority of the medical profession who faithful to the Declaration of Geneva have sworn to maintain the greatest respect for human life.
The total number of abortions reported in 2013 was 14,073, 672 less than the 14,745 reported in 2012. The number reported for 2013 is the lowest since 1995 (13,652).
There is a notable decrease in the abortion rate for women aged 15-19 years –down from 27 per 1,000 in 2007 to 14 per 1000 in 2013.
There were 5,133 women who were having a repeat abortion; 3,312 women were having their second abortion; 1,210 women were having their third abortion; 410 their fourth; 132 their fifth; 46 their sixth; 7 their seventh and 18 their eighth or more abortion. Why is this? How many women are using abortion as a form of contraception?
194 unborn were killed in their mother’s womb on the grounds that they had a serious disability. In 2012 the number was 203 all in violation of the rights of the disabled.
It is not known how many abortions were authorised where the woman sought consideration of an alleged rape.
There were 73 abortions that were of 20 weeks or more duration compared with 92 in 2012. 11 were over 23 weeks and 2 were over 24 weeks, 11 were over 25 weeks.
The government continues to promote the killing of unborn children as a “core health service”, that has unlimited funding and no waiting list. It is not a health service and it has no place in our public health system. Women who are faced with an unplanned pregnancy deserve compassion and practical assistance to bring their child to birth. The killing of the child is not the solution to this important social issue. No child is unwanted as there are many families that are unable to have children, who would love to adopt a child in an open adoption that allows the birth mother to have an on-going relationship with their child.
Why does the government continue to refuse to promote adoption as the loving option?
Right to Life must keep asking; why are many of our churches silent on this crucial justice issue?
Ken Orr
Spokesperson Right to Life
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