best practice special edition:- Termination of Pregnancy in NZ (TOP) 2010

BPJ special edition
Termination of Pregnancy in New Zealand

Key Concepts:

The role of the general practitioner is to advise their patients on options available, to refer to a termination clinic for consideration for termination if requested, and to arrange the appropriate pre- referral tests and follow-up.
It is not the role of general practitioners to discuss their own personal views about termination. If a general practitioner is not able to refer personally, then arrangements must be made for the woman to be seen as soon as possible by another doctor in the area
The role of the certifying consultant is to determine if there are legal grounds for termination and to arrange a termination if appropriate
The earlier in pregnancy a termination is performed, the lower the risk of complications

Under New Zealand law, a fully informed consenting woman may be considered for a termination of pregnancy. Young women under the age of 16 do not need to inform, or seek consent from their parent or guardian
As with all patients, women (including those aged 16 and younger) seeking a termination have the right to confidentiality. Partners, parents and family members are only informed if the woman agrees to this.
Education and access to appropriate contraception can play an important role in working towards a reduction in numbers of unplanned pregnancies.

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