Abortion

Abortion is legal in New Zealand. A woman who is not more than 20 weeks pregnant may seek abortion from a health practitioner. A woman seeking an abortion past 20 weeks must obtain approval from a health practitioner, who decides whether the procedure is clinically appropriate and consults with at least one other qualified practitioner. Health practitioners must advise individuals of the availability of counselling services if they are considering an abortion. (More information available at Ministry of Health).

The Salvation Army believes life is a gift from God and that we are answerable to God for the taking of life. We, like many other churches, accept the moment of fertilisation as the start of human life. We believe society has a responsibility to care for others, and especially to protect and promote the welfare of vulnerable people, including unborn children. This responsibility also extends to those women faced with unwanted pregnancy who may consider abortion—they are also vulnerable and need our care and support.

Statements and Articles

Living counter culturally; Abortion Talk Sheet by the The Salvation Army's Moral and Social Issues Council, March 2016

Let's Talk About Abortion - an article by Susan Howan of The Salvation Army's Moral and Social Issues Council, October 2014

International Positional Statement by the International Salvation Army on abortion - November 2010