FPA applies for abortion licence

Information obtained under the Official Information Act shows NZFPA has applied to the Abortion Supervisory Committee for such a licence.

Family Planning, the major abortion referral agency in New Zealand, announced earlier this year its aim to get licences for drug-induced abortions within the first nine weeks of pregnancy performed from its 30 branches.

NZ Catholic reported in March the fears of pro-life figures that this would create a conflict of interest in that the association could talk women into having an abortion and then carry it out.

There were also fears that medical complications from the drug used for the abortions could lead to women dying.

Right to Life's Ken Orr said there are three public hospitals in the Waikato health board area licensed to perform abortions - Hamilton, Thames and Tokoroa. There were 2172 abortions reported at those hospitals in 2007.

"Should the Family Planning clinic be given a licence, we can expect an increase in abortions in the Waikato," he said.

He called on people in the Waikato to speak out against the application.

Right to Life has engaged a Queen's Counsel and Mr Orr said the society would consider a High Court appeal if the licence is issued. It believes Family Planning is strongly pro-abortion and is unsuitable for a licence.