Following changes to the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act, the Ministry of Health is now responsible for abortion services. This includes publishing standards for abortion counselling.
Abortion counselling is no longer mandatory, however people seeking abortion must be made aware that counselling is available. Abortion related counselling must be in line with the standard as outlined in this document.
The standard is firmly grounded in Te Tiriti and health equity practice and sets the expectation of what Manatū Hauora expects of those delivering abortion related counselling.
The standard outlines what abortion counselling is, who can provide abortion counselling and the principles. It sets out the connection with Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard NZS 8134:2021 and sets out the rights of people receiving abortion counselling.
Ngā Paerewa defines the updates to the quality and safety requirements for the provision of included services in New Zealand. Ngā Paerewa reflects the shift towards more person- and whānau-centred health and disability services. People are empowered to make decisions about their own care and support in order to achieve their goals, with a stronger focus on outcomes for people receiving support.
A copy of the standard is available on the Standards New Zealand website.