New Zealand Sees Significant Rise in Abortion Numbers Following Decriminalisation and Telehealth Expansion

Abortion Figures Climb Post-Reform

New Zealand has recorded a substantial increase in abortion numbers, with a 37 percent rise since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020 and the subsequent rollout of national telehealth services. The total number of abortions increased from 12,948 in 2019 to 17,785 in 2024. This upward trend is largely seen as a reflection of improved accessibility to services rather than an increase in demand, according to sexual and reproductive health specialists.

Legislative Changes and Telehealth's Role

The significant shift in abortion provision began with the enactment of the Abortion Legislation Act 2020. This landmark legislation amended the Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977 and the Crimes Act 1961, effectively decriminalising abortion and integrating it into the country's health services framework. The new law allows unrestricted access to abortion within the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and removes the requirement for a doctor's referral.

A key factor contributing to the increased numbers is the introduction and expansion of telehealth services. The National Abortion Telehealth Service, DECIDE, launched in 2021, enables individuals to arrange early medical abortions over the phone, with medications couriered directly to them. This service, funded by Health New Zealand and operated by Magma Healthcare and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, has significantly broadened access, particularly for those in remote areas.

Shift Towards Early Medical Abortions

The data reveals a notable change in the method of abortion. In 2024, 67 percent of all abortions were early medical abortions (EMAs), a substantial increase from 36 percent in 2020. In 2023, 62 percent of abortions were accessed through EMA services. This shift is supported by the fact that 86 percent of abortions in 2024 were provided at 10 weeks' gestation or fewer, indicating earlier access to care.

Beyond telehealth, other improvements in service access include an increased number of facilities providing abortion services, the endorsement of midwifery abortion services, and easier access to medicines through pharmacies. These changes have collectively worked to reduce barriers and improve the timeliness of abortion care across New Zealand.

Context and Expert Commentary

Simon Snook, director of Magma Healthcare, suggested that the current numbers reflect a correction, stating, 'I think what we are seeing now is people who previously would have wanted an abortion and couldn't get one for their own reasons are now getting it.' He also noted that similar abortion numbers, around 18,000 per year, were observed in the 2000s, with a decline in the 2010s attributed to better access to contraception and sex education.