Media Statement
For immediate release

Wednesday, 16 June 2004

Baldock laments increase in abortions

United Future MP Larry Baldock today lamented the increase in the number of abortions in New Zealand – up to 18,510 according to the Abortion Supervisory Committee – and asked why no one really seems prepared to do anything serious to prevent the number going up every year.

“Of greater concern is the increase in teenage abortions, and while alcohol and all drugs clearly do play a part in this situation, it is just too easy for the Family Planning Association to shift the blame to alcohol,” said Mr Baldock.

“How they have the cheek to ask for more sexual and reproductive health funding beats me.

“It is time the Government began to direct funding to agencies that are delivering a better message to our young people if we really want to see the statistics turn around.

“Encouraging young girls to practice putting condoms on fake penises in schools is a failed methodology and we continue year after year to reap the consequences,” said Mr Baldock.

Ends

© Scoop Media