The Ministry of Health gave $4.5 million to District Health Boards in 2019 for contraception services. Māori and Pacific women are among those targeted in a contraceptive initiative that has a researcher concerned women will be prevented from having babies “for their own good”. Researchers asked DHBs and primary health organisations how contraception services had been configured when the scheme started in August 2019 and again in August 2020. She had patients who would benefit from free contraception, such as those whose existing medication would harm a growing pregnancy. “Variability between DHBs is reflective of the principle that DHBs are responsible for the provision, planning and funding of health services for their areas.

Source: Stuff January 14, 2021 12:01 UTC