Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern defends proposed abortion law

NZ Herald 5 August 2019
Family First Comment: “Meanwhile, conservative lobby group Family First has vowed to run a strong campaign against the legislation. “Under the current law, an unborn child is at least afforded some recognition and minimal legal protection. In contrast, these proposals will give the unborn child the same status as an appendix, tonsils or gall bladder – simply tissue removed as part of a ‘health procedure’,” spokeswoman Gina Sunderland said.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has defended not going further with abortion law reform, saying the bill put up before Parliament needs to be able to pass.

The Government on Monday unveiled its long-awaited bill to decriminalise abortion, treat it as a health issue and reduce the legal hoops women have to go through to get access.

It’s the first major reform in the area in more than four decades and will have its first reading in Parliament on Thursday.

Under current laws, women need to get clearance from two doctors on physical or mental health grounds – a process that’s been described as stigmatising and too cumbersome.

The proposed changes would mean before 20 weeks’ into their pregnancy women would be able to make the decision.

Later than that, the person performing the procedure would have to “reasonably believe the abortion is appropriate with regard to the pregnant woman’s physical and mental health, and wellbeing”.

While advocates for change have welcomed the legislation as a major step forward, they’ve criticised the 20-week limit.

“Why the 20-week limit? There are scans that happen around 20 weeks and this gives people little time to consider those results,” Abortion Law Reform Association of NZ president Terry Bellamak said.

Meanwhile, conservative lobby group Family First has vowed to run a strong campaign against the legislation.

“Under the current law, an unborn child is at least afforded some recognition and minimal legal protection. In contrast, these proposals will give the unborn child the same status as an appendix, tonsils or gall bladder – simply tissue removed as part of a ‘health procedure’,” spokeswoman Gina Sunderland said.

Is there opposition?
Yes. Groups such as Family First have vowed to fiercely fight the bill. They say the changes are radical and treat abortions like cutting out an “appendix, tonsils or gall bladder”.
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