On the night of 18 March 2020 there was a historic vote for the citizens of New Zealand, in which Parliament supports the withdrawal of abortion from the Crimes Act. In particular, 68 votes in favour and 51 against. Until then, women who aborted were at risk of up to fourteen years ' imprisonment. Thus, the law of the 1970s, which considered abortion a crime, has been annulled and turned into a right for New Zealanders.

During the first twenty weeks of pregnancy, women will not have to give any justification to do so. After that period, the person obliged to abort must pass a questionnaire and then be asked for approval from two doctors so that he can perform it.

Ardern does what he promised

The vote on 18 March has therefore brought about the right to abortion. In particular, until then it was possible to abort with the approval of two doctors and only "the physical or mental health of the woman was unemployed".

Legalization of abortion was one of the commitments of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern throughout the campaign. The legal process for channelling change has been long. The first reading was held in August 2019, with more Members in favour (94 to 23 against), while the second reading was held in early March (81 to 39). Despite the fact that the results of the last vote were stronger, the majority were in favour. A final step towards the entry into force of the new law is missing: The name of Governor Patsy Reddy.