Abortion Law Reform: Steve Chadwick's Bill

At long last, an MP has the courage to sponsor a bill aiming to bring New Zealand abortion law into the 21st century.

Labour MP Steve Chadwick has drafted a bill which will:
- take abortion out of the Crimes Act;
- remove the need for two certifying consultants to given permission for a woman to have an abortion;
- allow a doctor to carry out an abortion at a woman's request, before 24 weeks gestation;
- after 24 weeks gestation, allow a medical practitioner to carry out an abortion, if it is medically appropriate and takes regard of the woman's "current and future physical, psychological and social circumstances."

At this stage, Steve Chadwick is gauging support for her bill, amongst her colleagues.

It's time to start writing. Write directly to Steve Chadwick, and tell her that you support her bill. Here is the address to use:

Steve Chadwick MP
Parliament Buildings
Wellington 6160

You don't need to put a stamp on the envelope. All you need to do is write a letter or a postcard, and send it to Steve Chadwick.

You can also write directly to your own MP, and tell her or him of your support for Steve Chadwick's proposed bill.

Here is a list of current Members of Parliament. Locate the MP for your electorate, and write. The address is:

Your MP's name
Parliament Buildings
Wellington 6160

Again, you don't need to put a stamp on it.

Write to list MPs too. Especially take the time to write to Labour party list MPs: Steve will need the support of her colleagues for this bill to go into the parliamentary ballot.

Steve Chadwick, thank you! Thank you for having the courage to take this critical first step in reforming New Zealand's abortion law.