ALRANZ To Back Call For Free Contraception

Abortion Law Reform Association Of New Zealand

2 October 2012 For Immediate Release

ALRANZ To Back Call For Free Contraception

The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) is throwing its full support behind a remit calling for contraception to be made freely available to all New Zealand women, which is up for a vote at this weekend’s National Council of Women conference.

Our members have long been strong supporters of making contraception more easily available, ALRANZ President Dr. Morgan Healey said today, and ALRANZ plans to second the remit at this weekend’s conference in Dunedin.

Contraceptives are free only to some groups of women, and the government has proposed providing long-acting reversible contraception to women on benefits and their daughters, Dr. Healey said.

“Rather than singling out specific groups, ALRANZ would much prefer that contraception be made available at no cost to all who want it, both men and women, which is why we’re supporting the NCW remit,” she said.

If the government really wants to see abortion numbers continue their downward trend, it needs to commit to a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health strategy, which must encompass a full array of choices for women.

This should not be limited to contraception being more easily available, but dovetail onto public education campaigns about contraception and other sexual health issues, universal sexuality education and the decriminalization of abortion, Dr. Healey said.

A group of Waikato/Bay of Plenty ALRANZ members met last month in Hamilton and passed on their strong support for the remit.

For more information about ALRANZ visit www.alranz.org

ENDS

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