More New Zealand women are opting to choose to abortion compared with previous years

The Ministry of Health reported the increase published in the abortion Services 2024 annual report released in December 2024 showed The number of Abortions carried out in New Zealand has increased by nearly 15% (16,227) in 2023 compared to 2022 reporting.

This provides a snapshot of abortion services for the 2023 calendar year. The findings within this report highlight continued improvements following both the 2020 law reform and the 2022 health reforms.

Abortions has increased in all ages and ethnicities.

Key achievements include increased accessibility through continued growth of the abortion workforce, and a decrease in average drive-time to in-person services. Access to early medical abortions through telehealth services have also increased.

Summary of key findings

• Abortion numbers have increased by 14.9% compared to 2022 reporting. This is likely due to service access improvements such as telehealth and easier access to medicines through collection directly from pharmacies.
• Also, greater numbers of locally based in-person abortion services became available in 2023, resulting in a decreased average drive time to access in-person services.
• It is important that there are more choices available in the early stages of pregnancy because earlier abortions are safer.
• The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists emphasises local and early abortion service provision, as earlier terminations are associated with fewer complications.
• Overall, abortion is safe in New Zealand and serious complications are rare. As in prior years, only a small proportion (2.2%) of all abortion procedures were associated with a complication.
• People from all ethnic groups and backgrounds are accessing abortion services earlier in their pregnancy.
• Access barriers continue to disproportionately impact some people, for example those people who need to travel longer distances. Removing these health disparities is an ongoing focus for the Ministry of Health.
• The abortion workforce continues to increase, improving access for people seeking abortion. This is due to an increase in the number of facilities providing abortion services; the endorsement of midwifery abortion services; and telehealth services for early medical abortions.