The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand condemned today's discovery that Rawhiti Trust Hospital, a closed private healthcare provider, had maintained abortion authorisation forms from 1995, and that women's privacy had been disrupted in such a manner.

"We are grateful for the prompt police action after they secured the room, and Privacy Commisioner Bruce Slane's condemnation of the apparent absence of reasonable safeguards in this case. We share the concerns of the Auckland Women's Health Council who has also condemned this disturbing development, and concur that affected women should take this matter up with the Health and Disability Commissioner." Mr Craig Young, ALRANZ Research Officer said today.

"This is the second time this year that the Privacy Commissioner has had cause to condemn lax compliance with the Health Privacy Information Code and Privacy Act 1993 this year. We are sure that the Minister of Health will act quickly on this matter, however."

Contact: Craig Young ALRANZ Research Officer 06 3569099 ext 7750

Dr.Margaret Sparrow ALRANZ National President 04 4759886

National ALRANZ Box 28008 Wellington

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