A survey of the views and practices of abortion of the New Zealand Fellows and trainees of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Abstract

Abortion is a common procedure in New Zealand (NZ). Currently, it is only legal when two certifying consultants agree that the person seeking an abortion meets the statutory grounds outlined in Section 187A of the NZ Crimes Act (1961). The Crimes Act also states that one-half of certifying consultants must be practising obstetricians/gynaecologists. However, with abortion law reform on the political agenda, the way that abortion services are provided in NZ may change. This survey of NZ Fellows and trainees evaluates their attitudes toward training requirements for abortion, abortion care provision, and conscientious objection. A pre-validated questionnaire was sent electronically to all NZ trainees and Fellows. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data analysed using generalised inductive thematic analysis. Most respondents (95.9%) believe that abortion should be available and 46.8% of respondents either provide abortion, or counsel women about their options and refer. The majority of respondents (73%) support abortion training in FRANZCOG and 68.5% support training in DRANZCOG. Qualitative data reflect a range of views on abortion, the role of conscientious objection in abortion care, and gestational limits. This study identifies overall support for abortion provision in NZ and abortion training. However, there is a range of views and practices of abortion among RANZCOG trainees and Fellows that reflects the complexity of the abortion debate.