The New Zealand abortion rate is at its lowest for 25 years.
In 2016, 12,823 abortions were carried out, i.e. 332 fewer than in the previous year. The figures confirm the trend recorded in recent years. For women in the 20 to 24 year-old age bracket, the 2003 abortion rate was 41 in 1,000 women compared to 21 in 1,000 in 2016.
For Jackie Edmond, General Manager of the Family Planning Association, this reduction can be explained by the increase in the number of women using reversible methods of contraception such as implants and IUDs. She also believes that information and sex education services are more accessible [1]. In addition, women are choosing to wait longer before becoming sexually active, which has helped to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.
As far as Voice for Life President, Jacqui de Ruiter is concerned, the rate could fall even lower if adoption received more official support, allowing a large percentage of childless couples to adopt a child and fulfil their dream.
[1] Note from Gènéthique:
An argument subject to discussion, see England: the drop in the cost of sex education is helping to reduce early pregnancies and abortions
New Zealand Herald (19/06/2017)