Up to how many weeks gestation is abortion publicly funded in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, abortion is publicly funded up to 20 weeks of gestation. This provision reflects the framework of the Care of Children Act and the Abortion Legislation Act, which was passed in 2020. The law allows people to access abortion services with fewer restrictions compared to previous regulations, ensuring that they can make decisions within the early weeks of pregnancy without extensive barriers.

Public funding for abortions up to 20 weeks aligns with the understanding that during this period, a person has the autonomy to make decisions about their reproductive health. It is important to note that after 20 weeks, access to abortion services requires additional considerations and must meet specific health criteria, which is to ensure appropriate care and support at later stages of pregnancy. This policy emphasizes the balance between reproductive choice and health services that respect various ethical and medical perspectives.