The general abortion rate, however, showed 14.2 per 1000 women had had an abortion last year. Among women aged 15 to 19 years old, 26 per 1000 women opted for an abortion in 2003, compared to 11 last year. Figures showed that among younger women - aged 20 to 24 years old - a peak of 41 per 1000 women in 2003 dropped to 23 last year. ABORTIONS:- 13,155 induced abortions were performed in 2015- 13,137 induced abortions were performed in 2014- Women aged 20-24 had the highest abortion rate (23 per 1000 women)- Most abortions (65%) were a woman's first abortionSource: Statistics NZ- NZ Herald Other figures released by Statistics NZ showed most abortions, 63 per cent, were a woman's first abortion.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 17, 2016 02:37 UTC