Abortion law passes first hurdle with ease

The Government’s bill decriminalising abortion has cleared its first hurdle with huge numbers.

It passed 94 votes to 23 last night after an often tearful debate.

The bill still has two more readings to complete before becoming law.

If made law it would take abortion out of the Crimes Act and allow pregnant people to ‘‘selfrefer’’ for abortion within the first 20 weeks of gestation, when the vast majority of abortions occur.

Currently, those seeking an abortion require certification from two consultants that having a child would damage their physical or mental health.

The debate featured tears and emotional stories from several members on both sides of the debate.

Abortion is a conscience issue, meaning MPS are free to vote independent of their party.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke in support of the bill, urging Parliament to debate the issue with respect.

‘‘The time is right for this debate, the time is right to put women’s dignity at the centre of this discussion,’’ Ardern said.

The debate yesterday included speeches from across the House and saw a member of the public gallery ejected.

Justice Minister Andrew Little introduced the bill, and paid tribute to National Party leader Simon Bridges who supported it at first reading, despite his conservative Christian background.

Ardern’s speech asked those who disagreed with abortion to not allow their views to impede on the rights of others.

‘‘In my view you can have a deeply held view on this. I will defend always your right to hold that view. But I will draw the line when your right to hold that view impedes the rights of others,’’ Ardern said.

‘‘Women feel like they have to lie to legally access an abortion in New Zealand,’’ Ardern said.

‘‘And if they do tell the truth then under New Zealand law they are a criminal. And I don’t believe that is right. I fundamentally disagree with that.’’

‘‘The time is right for this debate, the time is right to put women’s dignity at the centre of this discussion.’’ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

National deputy leader Paula Bennett noted that the law needed to catch up with practical reality.

‘‘No matter what this House does, it will not stop abortions happening,’’ Bennett said.

Those speaking against the bill suggested it would create ‘‘abortion-on-demand.’’

National MP Agnes Loheni said abortion was a lifestyle choice.

‘‘I stand today to call out the hypocrisy of today’s changes being about women’s health,’’ Loheni said. ‘‘The reality is for the vast majority of women who decide to terminate their pregnancy do so for material reasons in their lives.

‘‘The provisions of the Crimes Act protect unborn children . . . It must continue to be against the law to kill a child.’’