How is abortion defined?
There are two major categories of abortions – induced and spontaneous.
Induced abortions are initiated voluntarily with the intention of terminating a pregnancy. Spontaneous abortions are not initiated voluntarily. These abortions include those where an external cause is involved, such as an injury or high fever.
All abortion statistics and derived abortion rates in this section are based on the number of legal induced abortions.
What are abortion statistics used for?
Statistics on legal abortions are used to monitor trends in abortion in New Zealand. An analysis of abortion statistics by age and ethnic groups can identify sub-groups requiring family planning education and greater access to contraceptive methods.
Resources
Abortion data and analysis
From annual information releases published by Statistics New Zealand, available from 1997.
Abortion data and trend information
From annual reference reports published by Statistics New Zealand, available from 1997.
Ethnic differentials in induced abortions in New Zealand
An article that takes a brief look at existing ethnic differentials in induced abortions in New Zealand, in Key Statistics (September 2001) published by Statistics New Zealand.
References
Didham R, Boddington B and Khawaja M (2001). Socio-economic Factors and the Fertility of New Zealand Women. Statistics New Zealand, Wellington.
McMillan D G (1937). Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Various Aspects of the Problem of Abortion in New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington.
Sceats J (1985). Induced Abortion in New Zealand 1976-1983. Government Printer, Wellington.
United Nations (2002). Abortion Policies: A Global Review, 3 v, UN Population Division, New York.
Experts
For further information email the Demography Division of Statistics New Zealand or write to:
Robert Didham
Demography Division
Statistics New Zealand
Dollan House
401 Madras Street
Private Bag 4741
Christchurch