The Ministry of Health’s review of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977 is expected to be completed in 2025.
The Ministry of Health’s review of the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977 is required by law. It aims to provide a comprehensive report regarding contraception, sterilisation, and abortion services. The review is supported by data, feedback, research, and clinical guidance.
Scope of the review
The scope of the review is set in the legislation and is focused on how the current law is working. This means that the review:
- will examine whether there is timely and equitable access to contraception services, sterilisation services and abortion services, including information and advisory and counselling services in relation to abortion services
- will include consideration of the relative costs throughout New Zealand for people accessing those services
- will not consider the rules regarding eligibility for access to these services, or their status as publicly funded health services.
Under the legislation, the review must also include consideration of whether there is any evidence of abortions being sought solely because of a preference for the fetus to be of a particular sex.
How the review is being carried out
To carry out this review, the Ministry of Health is:
- asking a range of health service providers around New Zealand to complete a survey to help inform how the current legislation is working
- analysing existing data and reporting
- commissioning research with consumer groups.
Once the review is completed, the Director-General of Health is required to report to the Government on the outcomes, and any recommendations for improving timely and equitable access to these services.
Contact us
If you have any queries, send an email to: [email protected].
