Abortion Contraceptive_rights_in_New_Zealand

1 abortion

1.1 united nations stance on abortion
1.2 united nations criticisms of new zealand
1.3 abortion legislation
1.4 interpretation

abortion
the united nations stance on abortion

the office of high commissioner on human rights states on online information series on sexual , reproductive health rights women, safe access abortion human right . further states criminalization of health services women require, including abortion, form of criminalization against women .

in 57th session of committee on elimination of discrimination against woman in february 2014, stated abortion should available in cases pregnancy result of rape or incest, there threat life and/or health of mother, , fetus impaired minimum standard.

united nations criticisms of new zealand

in concluding observations of committee on elimination of discrimination against women following new zealand s report in 2012, committee criticised new zealand s abortion laws. committee concerned abortion still criminalized, women unwanted pregnancies @ risk of seeking unsafe illegal abortions. pointed out law stands, women seeking abortion relying on benevolent interpretation of rule nullifies autonomy . committee urged new zealand review abortion law.

abortion legislation

in new zealand abortion criminalised crimes act 1961. section 183 of act states performing abortion illegally liable imprisonment term not exceeding 14 years . there exceptions listed in section 187a of act. abortion not illegal if pregnancy result of incest or fetus severely handicapped, or when continuation of pregnancy result in serious danger life, physical health or mental health of woman. rape , extremes of age may taken account. contraception, sterilization , abortion act 1977 regulates procedure granting abortions. 2 separate medical consultants must certify believe 1 of exempting grounds applicable woman. not required give reasons why believe this. there no age restrictions on abortion , performed free of charge new zealand residents.

interpretation

legal experts have claimed mental health exception has been interpreted, between 97–98% of abortions in new zealand performed avoid serious danger mental health of pregnant woman. in 2014 reported estimated 15,000 women in new zealand have abortion each year. anti-abortionists have criticised application of abortions laws, taking abortion supervisory committee court several times. example of 2008 case of right life new zealand inc v abortion supervisory committee. miller j of high court of new zealand stated in judgment in case 99% of women apply abortion granted 1 , seemed him abortion law being interpreted in more liberal way legislation intended.