This has been a very long time coming. I am really pleased it looks like the bill will be passed, as a kiwi women who had to access abortion services when I was young, it absolutely needs to be amended. The process was utterly cruel.
i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/114855678/abortion-law-reform-passes-first-reading-clearing-a-major-hurdle
The changes will take abortion out of the Crimes Act, and allow women to self-refer for an abortion in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
After 20 weeks, a health practitioner will have to agree the procedure is in the best interests of a person's mental and physical wellbeing.
The current law dates from 1977, and reform supporters argue they better reflect that time than they do our own.
The law placed abortion in the Crimes Act, although an abortion can still take place if two consulting physicians allow it.
National MP and former Justice Minister Amy Adams said the bill would end long-running inequities in abortion access.
"We have a long history of women's reproductive systems being subject to control of the state of laws of men. Sir, we do have to say that women should be trusted to make decisions that are up to them, for their families, or their bodies," Adams said.
"I do not accept laws which work on the fallacy that somehow women are these fickle creatures who won't make good careful thoughtful decisions. I do not accept the argument that this law will mean women will be waiting much later in their pregnancies, or using this as some sort of contraception."
"I think this bill will lead to women getting the help they need sooner, and with less trauma."
A surprising speech came from Labour MP Aupito William Sio, who said he was personally opposed to abortion, but would vote in favour of the bill to improve it at select committee.
He said he was a father who opposed abortion, but supported women's right to choose.
"I do not support abortion, but I am on the record that I support a woman's right to choose," he said.
"The morals of abortion are too complex to debate in the political environment. We all have different world views and experiences we bring to the debate. I will leave the morality of this issue with families and our moral institutions to lead and promote this matter."
The bill was treated as a conscience vote, which means MPs are allowed to vote on their own beliefs, rather than with their parties.
After select committee, the bill will be voted on two more times. If it passes its third reading it will becoming law.