(CPOD) Oct. 4, 2004 - Many residents of New Zealand support a proposal to waive medical secrecy when teenage girls seek to terminate a pregnancy, according to a DigiPoll published in the New Zealand Herald. 71.1 per cent of respondents believe doctors should inform parents if their daughter is having an abortion.

Since 1977, New Zealand's laws have protected the privacy of women under 16 who do not want to discuss pregnancy termination with their parents or guardians. The issue is expected to be put to a vote in the House of Representatives this month. 60.7 per cent of respondents say the law must make it mandatory for doctors to notify the parents of girls who seek an abortion.

National party family spokesperson Judith Collins originally proposed waiving medical secrecy. After the results of the poll were released, Collins criticized the prime minister, saying, "Helen Clark's opposition to this law change is disappointing."

Cabinet minister David Benson-Pope clarified the government's position on the abortion matter, saying, "For some young women from violent, abusive and dysfunctional homes, informing their parents would put them in harm's way."

Polling Data

If a girl under the age of 16 goes to a doctor to seek an abortion and does not want her parents to know, do you think the doctor should inform the girl's parents?

Do you think the law should make it mandatory for the doctor to inform the girl's parents?

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