United Future
Since: Aug 2007
Posts: 314

Abortions: safe and rare?

Posted in Discussion Forum at 12:04PM, 27 Jun 2008 ∞ Permalink

The intention of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977 was to ensure that in New Zealand, abortions were safe and rare, according to UnitedFuture MP Judy Turner, in response to the recent ruling by Justice Millar in the Wellington High Court on the judicial review of the performance of the Abortion Supervisory Committee.

“What Justice Millar seems to be saying is that while abortions may be safe, they are by no means rare and that the Abortion Supervisory Committee seems to be misinterpreting its function and powers,” she says.

“Regardless of what side of the debate one takes on this polarising issue, it is clear that everyone agrees that our rate of terminations is unacceptably high.

“My concern is that politicians, fearing the polarising nature of the issue, will choose not to engage in the debate as to how to bring our statistics down based on the common concern that does exist.

“While I share concerns about the application of the law by the current supervisory committee, I think that we also need to be taking a serious look at our failing messages about sexual and reproductive health. ... Read the full text of this article.

Kelleigh Sheffield-Cranstoun
Since: Apr 2008
Posts: 31

Posted at 12:04PM, 27 Jun 2008 ∞ Permalink

Justice Millar would have no idea of the painful decision making process that goes into the decision to terminate a pregnancy, for whatever reason. It is by no means anyones business what a woman chooses to do with her body. She owns her body. However I would like to think that more women could be prevented from making this agonising decision and having to live with the memory, and the ongoing persecution inflicted by some narrow-minded, hard-hearted people in our society.

More education needs to be directed at young ladies on how they can look after themselves, and prevent unwanted pregnancies. In particular, what they can do and who to turn to if they suspect a pregnancy could occur as a result of their interactions with a partner. There are other options which can prevent a pregnancy developing after the act. They also need to be sent a clear message as to how easily pregnancies occur. Abstinence is easily preached, but these ladies need to know their options. Better Education at a teenage level is KEY to reducing abortion rates and unwanted pregnancies.

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