The select committee tasked with examining New Zealand’s abortion laws has recommended enshrining the right of medical practitioners to refuse emergency contraception in cases of sexual violence.
This has angered campaigners who say it obstructs access to effective contraception, and sidelines the rights of sexual assault survivors.
The proposed changes would require medical practitioners to declare a conscientious objection to providing emergency contraception “at the earliest opportunity”, and provide the contact details of someone else who can provide contraception. Read more