Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977

Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977
New Zealand Parliament
  • An Act to specify the circumstances in which contraceptives and information relating to contraception may be supplied and given to young persons, to define the circumstances under which sterilisations may be undertaken, and to provide for the circumstances and procedures under which abortions may be authorised after having full regard to the rights of the unborn child.[1]
Royal assent16 December 1977[1]
Legislative history
Passed1977[1]
Amended by
Status: Current legislation

Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977, also known as the CS&A Act 1977, is an Act of Parliament in New Zealand. It was passed shortly following an inquiry by the Royal Commission on Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion. The legislation established the legal framework for abortion in New Zealand; with abortions being allowed provided the procedure was approved by two certifying consultants and that the circumstances met the criteria of the Crimes Act 1961.[2] In March 2020, several of its provisions were amended by the Abortion Legislation Act 2020, which eased access to abortion and eliminated most of the criteria established by the Crimes Act 1961.[3]

  1. ^ a b c "Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977". Legislation New Zealand. Parliamentary Counsel Office. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  2. ^ "Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act 1977 passed". New Zealand History. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 19 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
  3. ^ "Sections 10 to 46 replaced". Legislation New Zealand. Parliamentary Counsel Office. Retrieved 25 March 2020.