Abortion Decline Encouraging – Say Family Planning

Abortion Decline Encouraging – Say Family Planning

15 June, 2006

Family Planning is heartened to see the continued downward trend of abortion numbers in New Zealand.

Family Planning Medical Advisor, Dr Christine Roke, says the Statistics New Zealand figures released today showing a 3.7 per cent decrease for the 2005 year compared with the year before, is welcome news.

“Family Planning’s work is very focused on reducing the need for abortion and to see decreases in the numbers two years running is certainly heartening,” Dr Roke said.

“We must continue to ensure New Zealanders have access to quality sexual and reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality education, in working towards further decreases in abortion numbers.”

Dr Roke said given the declining trend, it could be time to look at how New Zealand women can be provided with abortions earlier in their pregnancy, like women in many European countries.

Medical abortion, which is carried out by using drugs rather than surgery, can be done earlier and it is preferable from a medical point of view.

Dr Roke said the earlier aspect of medical abortion also helped prevent the stress of waiting for the procedure.

Medical abortion is available in some parts of New Zealand and Family Planning would like to see it available more generally to give women the option, Dr Roke said.

ENDS

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