Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Video: Abortion Legislation Bill debate begins in Parliament
Abortion Legislation Bill debate begins in Parliament
The debate over the Abortion Legislation Bill has begun in Parliament.
Minister of Justice Andrew Little. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Political parties won't vote as a block, but MPs will vote as individuals according to their conscience.
The Bill would remove abortion from the Crimes Act and instead treat it as a health issue; after 20 weeks women would require a medical test to access an abortion.
Justice Minister Andrew Little told Parliament the primary objective of the legislation is to shift abortion away from the crimimal regime.
He said he was acutely aware of the various deeply held political, personal and faith based views of MPs, who would soon be called upon to cast their vote.
Watch the debate on Parliament TV here:
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On Winston Peters’ Pathetic Speech At The UN
Binoy Kampmark: Flicker Of Hope, Biden’s Throwaway Lines On Assange
Media Matters NZ: Here We Go Again
Ian Powell: How To Immobilise A Health System’s Primary Statutory Adviser And Monitor
Gordon Campbell: On Israel’s Murderous Use Of AI In Gaza
Binoy Kampmark: Death By Algorithm: Israel’s Ai War In Gaza