New abortion law marks significant and needed progress for reproductive rights in New Zealand
Amnesty International has today made its submission to the Abortion Legislation Committee in Wellington.
The rights at stake in the legislation include the rights to health, privacy, dignity, security of the person, bodily
integrity and personal autonomy, equality and non-discrimination, equality before the law, and freedom from torture and
other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.
Amnesty International Executive Director Meg de Ronde said that Amnesty International’s approach is underpinned by
international human rights law, including the recognition that legal protection of human rights, including the right to
life, commences at birth.
“Amnesty International does not take a moral position on when life begins. This is a moral and ethical issue for each
pregnant individual to decide as a matter of their own conscience.”
She told the committee that the ability to make decisions about one’s body, sexuality and reproduction are at the core
of gender, economic and social justice.
“Amnesty International recognises the right of every person to access abortion, provided in a manner that respects their
dignity and needs in the context of their lived experiences, circumstances, aspirations and views.”
The organisation also made recommendations to the Committee on aspects of the Bill in need of further review, including
ensuring that provisions governing counselling, conscientious objection, and gestational limits do not create
unjustified barriers and delays to accessing reproductive health services.
It also made a recommendation in relation to “safe zones” outside clinics to ensure that the Bill both adequately
protects the rights of people to access abortion services without harassment, and prevents any unintended consequences
relating to restricting freedom of expression.
De Ronde added the changes proposed will ultimately increase people’s ability to exercise their reproductive autonomy,
which is essential to the full realisation of human rights in New Zealand for women, girls and all people who can become
pregnant.
“The reforms to the current regime, including the removal of abortion from the Crimes Act and removal of several
consultants having to sign off on an abortion are a significant change and a much needed one.”