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Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand

The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) is New Zealand's national abortion-rights advocacy group in existence since 1971. Since the decriminalisation of abortion in 2020, the organisation continues to monitor and lobby for changes to the law. The organisation is based in Wellington, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and has its own web site.

Dr. Ross Blue, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Auckland

Dr. D. P. Boshier, Associate Professor Reproductive Biology, University of Auckland

Prof. R. B. Elliott, Head of Dept Paediatrics, University of Auckland

Dr. J. P. B. Fitzgerald, O&G Dept, University of Otago

Rev. Prof. , Professor of Religious Studies, Victoria University of Wellington

Lloyd Geering

Prof. R. A. M. Gregson, Professor of Psychology, University of Canterbury

Dr. V. J. Hartfield, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Wanganui Hospital

Prof. J. I. Hubbard, Professor of Neurophysiology, University of Otago

Prof. B. James, Chairman Dept Psychological Medicine, University of Otago

Prof. J.R. McCreary, Professor of Social Work, Victoria University of Wellington

Dr. R. D. MacDiarmid, General Practitioner, Dunedin

Rev Dr. F. W. R. Nichol, Professor of Theology, Knox College, Dunedin

Prof. J. E. Ritchie, Professor of Psychology, University of Waikato

Prof. J. L. Roberts, Professor School of Political Science, Victoria University of Wellington

Prof. J. L. Ryan, Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Canterbury

Prof. H. H. Schaefer, Professor of Psychology, University of Auckland

Prof. J. D. Sinclair, Professor Dept of Physiology, University of Auckland

Prof. A. J. W. Taylor, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington

Prof. A. M. O. Veale, Professor of Human Genetics, University of Auckland

Prof. Peter Webb, Professor School of Law, University of Auckland

Prof. John Scott Werry, Professor Dept of Psychiatry, University of Auckland

The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) was founded in response to organising by anti-abortion rights groups, such as the Catholic organisation the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child (SPUC).[1] The campaigns of these anti-abortion rights groups provoked a strong reaction, with some questioning the veracity of their claims about the medical consequences of abortion and the experiences of overseas countries with liberal laws. Pro-abortion rights supporters perceived suffering of unhappily pregnant women seeking abortion and considered that children needed to be born to mothers who wanted them and could support them.[2][3] On 4 August 1970, a group of approximately 60 concerned individuals met in Auckland to form ALRANZ.[2]


The founding meeting in 1970 was chaired by Wayne Facer, an Auckland University administrator, who became the first research officer for ALRANZ. At the meeting, it was decided that a steering committee should be formed, charged with drafting aims and objectives. The steering committee reported back to a meeting held in the Unitarian Church, Ponsonby Road on 15 September 1970. At that meeting ALRANZ endorsed the draft aims, and a constitution was prepared to establish ALRANZ as an incorporated society.[4] Some of the early members included family planning doctor and paediatrician, Dr Alice Bush (1914–1974). As at 1975, the following served on the Advisory Council for ALRANZ.[5]

Dame served as president from 1975 to 1980, and again from 1984 until March 2011.[4] Sparrow was a gynecologist in Wellington and also had long-standing involvement with the Family Planning Association of New Zealand until her retirement.[6][7][8]

Margaret Sparrow

In March 2011, Dr Morgan Healey took over the role of president. Healey had until then served as ALRANZ National Secretary.

[9]

In June 2015, Ms Terry Bellamak stepped into the role. A former executive at Goldman Sachs (USA), Bellamak took up New Zealand citizenship in 2011 and studied law in the country.

[10]

As of December 2021, Dr Tracy Morison has served as ALRANZ president. Morison was trained as a psychologist in South Africa and works as an academic at Massey University. Her expertise are in sexual and reproductive decision-making, and she has published extensively in this area.

[11]

no certifying consultants, people must be able to self-refer to abortion service

removal of gestation limits

loosening of restrictions on where abortions can be performed and by whom

proper treatment of early medical abortions

rebalance of ‘conscientious objection’ to place the burden on the provider rather than the patient

safe areas: a mandated 150 m buffer zone around all health care facilities offering pregnancy termination services

ALRANZ lobbied for total decriminalisation of abortion in New Zealand for 40 years, a goal that was finally realised in 2020.[12] Despite the law change, ALRANZ continues to lobby for improvements to the law and to monitor its implementation. The organisation continues to lobby for the following legal changes:


In so doing, ALRANZ wants to see abortion laws that no longer breach the fundamental human rights of those seeking to terminate a pregnancy. The organisation wants abortion to be treated purely as health care issue, not a moral issue.[13]

Abortion in New Zealand

Voice for Life

ALRANZ website

Alternative ALRANZ website