Dr Paul Hutchison National Party Associate Health Spokesman

21 October 2004

Labour's neglect on abortion trends disturbing

National Party Associate Health spokesman Dr Paul Hutchison says Labour's neglect on abortion trends is disturbing and flies in the face of repeated calls from the Abortion Supervisory Committee to act.

The committee's report, tabled in Parliament today, shows an abortion rate of 21 per 1000 woman aged 15-44. This is far higher than Australia's, and almost three times higher than Germany's and the Netherlands'.

Dr Hutchison says Labour has been slack. It has ignored repeated calls for a properly supported reproduction strategy.

"Labour's politically correct agenda has diminished the role of parental responsibility.

"It is time the Government took this issue more seriously.

"Everyone would like to see less need for abortions through better contraception."

Dr Hutchison says the committee gave a limp recommendation to the growing problem by suggesting that 'a starting point in addressing New Zealand's high levels of unprotected sex and consequent unintended pregnancies is by open discussion between all groups in society'.

"New Zealand has much to learn from countries like the Netherlands, which emphasise open education, effective contraception and sterilisation, as well as safe abortion services."

ENDS

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