Dr Paul Hutchison National Party Associate Health Spokesman
21 October 2004
Labour's neglect on abortion trends disturbing
National Party Associate Health spokesman Dr Paul Hutchison says Labour's neglect on abortion trends is disturbing and
flies in the face of repeated calls from the Abortion Supervisory Committee to act.
The committee's report, tabled in Parliament today, shows an abortion rate of 21 per 1000 woman aged 15-44. This is far
higher than Australia's, and almost three times higher than Germany's and the Netherlands'.
Dr Hutchison says Labour has been slack. It has ignored repeated calls for a properly supported reproduction strategy.
"Labour's politically correct agenda has diminished the role of parental responsibility.
"It is time the Government took this issue more seriously.
"Everyone would like to see less need for abortions through better contraception."
Dr Hutchison says the committee gave a limp recommendation to the growing problem by suggesting that 'a starting point
in addressing New Zealand's high levels of unprotected sex and consequent unintended pregnancies is by open discussion
between all groups in society'.
"New Zealand has much to learn from countries like the Netherlands, which emphasise open education, effective
contraception and sterilisation, as well as safe abortion services."
ENDS