Drop in abortion numbers and abortion ratio shows more NZ women are choosing to continue their pregnancies

17/6/2015

ProLife NZ is welcoming the news that the total number of abortions in New Zealand decreased in 2014, continuing the downward trend that began in 2007.

ProLife NZ spokesperson Ms Anna Scheib points out that the 13,137 abortions performed in 2014, compared with 14,073 in the previous year, is the lowest number since 1994 (12,835).

The general rate was 14.4 abortions per 1,000 women aged 15-44, down from 15.6 per 1000 in 2013. This rate is the lowest since 1993, when it was 14.3 per 1,000.

“The decline of 936 abortions from last year in New Zealand is hugely positive,” says Ms Scheib, “though the statistics still represent 13,137 abortions too many.”

“Although abortion is available, the abortion ratio, the number of abortions per 1000 live births, stillbirths, and abortions, continues to decrease (186 in 2014 to 192 in 2013), showing that more New Zealand women are choosing to continue their pregnancies.”

“This continues an overall decline in this number over the last eleven years.”

Promisingly there has also been a significant decline of 700 abortions for the 15-24 age group, dropping from 6482 abortion in 2013 to 5782 abortions in 2014.

“We know most New Zealanders will agree that this is a positive step.”

Ms Scheib also points out that the latest statistics reiterate the importance of accurate data collection in order to better understand what women need in this area.

“In places such as Canada, where abortion has been removed from the statutes, abortion records are left to individual states, institutions, and practitioners, making accurate statistics virtually impossible.”

“Proposals by the Greens to introduce effectively abortion-on-demand would be a backward step along these lines.”

Ms Scheib points out that this may lead to even more abortions, especially in this category of disability - something that many New Zealanders and disability organisations are rightfully uncomfortable with.

“Instead, we need to work hard now to sure-up informed consent and alternatives to abortion which New Zealand women are clearly seeking.”

ProLife NZ calls on all New Zealanders to reject extreme abortion legislation as proposed by the Greens and instead work together to continue building up a positive culture of life in New Zealand.

ENDS

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