Abortion On Demand
Do we have abortion on demand in New Zealand? How are the criteria for abortion being applied in practice?
Abortion is a controversial topic. Regardless of which view you take the stakes could not be higher. In the opinion of those who oppose abortion, they are arguing for the lives of the thousands of unborn children that are aborted every year. Where as those who are in favour of choice are arguing for a woman’s right to control her own body. Subject to much political and academic debate most people will be aware of the competing arguments. Abortion is much publicised by the media and always elicits heated debate. However a lot of the arguments seem to focus on ethical and moral rhetoric. With each participant proposing unrealistic hypothetical situations as metaphors for abortion. Indeed a lot of debate about abortion ignores the actual legal framework surrounding the topic. This text will discuss the process of abortion, and the manner in which this legal framework is being applied.
Many people would be surprised to discover that abortion is in fact illegal in New Zealand. The Crimes Act 1961 making procuring a miscarriage illegal under s183. This is the current legislation in effect in New Zealand. However the act qualifies this offence by adding the term ‘unlawfully’. This means that in the instances in which the act considers abortion as lawful, there will be no offence. Regardless of semantics as to the ‘viability’ of the foetus, any termination of pregnancy must be treated with the highest importance. However this is sadly not the case. As this text will demonstrate, abortion is now on demand in New Zealand. The application of the principles of abortion has resulted in the decision being granted without the necessary consideration, or deliberation.
The intent of this paper is not to demonstrate that abortion is wrong. Nor will it attempt to persuade that abortion is inherently right. However it is accepted that abortion may well be necessary.
Abortion is a controversial topic. Regardless of which view you take the stakes could not be higher. In the opinion of those who oppose abortion, they are arguing for the lives of the thousands of unborn children that are aborted every year. Where as those who are in favour of choice are arguing for a woman’s right to control her own body. Subject to much political and academic debate most people will be aware of the competing arguments. Abortion is much publicised by the media and always elicits heated debate. However a lot of the arguments seem to focus on ethical and moral rhetoric. With each participant proposing unrealistic hypothetical situations as metaphors for abortion. Indeed a lot of debate about abortion ignores the actual legal framework surrounding the topic. This text will discuss the process of abortion, and the manner in which this legal framework is being applied.
Many people would be surprised to discover that abortion is in fact illegal in New Zealand. The Crimes Act 1961 making procuring a miscarriage illegal under s183. This is the current legislation in effect in New Zealand. However the act qualifies this offence by adding the term ‘unlawfully’. This means that in the instances in which the act considers abortion as lawful, there will be no offence. Regardless of semantics as to the ‘viability’ of the foetus, any termination of pregnancy must be treated with the highest importance. However this is sadly not the case. As this text will demonstrate, abortion is now on demand in New Zealand. The application of the principles of abortion has resulted in the decision being granted without the necessary consideration, or deliberation.
The intent of this paper is not to demonstrate that abortion is wrong. Nor will it attempt to persuade that abortion is inherently right. However it is accepted that abortion may well be necessary.
Bibliography: A League Table of Teenage Births in Rich Nations, UNICEF, 2001, Innocenti Report Centre, Florence Young People In London: Abortion and Repeat Abortion, LESLEY HOGGART AND JOAN PHILLIPS, POLICY STUDIES INSTITUTE, WITH ANGELA BIRCH AND OFRA KOFFMAN 2010