14 June 2007
Abortion Statistics: 2006
The number of abortions performed in New Zealand increased slightly in the year ended December 2006, Statistics New
Zealand said today. A total of 17,930 induced abortions were performed in New Zealand in the December 2006 year, 400
(2.3 percent) more than in 2005 (17,530). This follows decreases of 3.7 percent between 2004 and 2005, and 1.6 percent
between 2003 and 2004.
The general abortion rate (abortions per 1,000 women aged 15–44 years) increased from 19.7 per 1,000 in 2005 to 20.0
per 1,000 in 2006. In 1996, the general abortion rate was 17.3 per 1,000.
Women aged 20–24 years had more abortions than other age groups. Their abortion rate was 37 abortions per 1,000 women
aged 20–24 years in 2006, unchanged from 2005.
The median age of women having an abortion has remained stable over the last twenty years, at around 25 years.
Dallas Welch (Mrs)
Acting Government Statistician
ENDS