Abortion numbers rise for first time in 12 years

The number of abortions has risen for the first time in 12 years with the chairperson of the Abortion Supervisory Committee saying social factors like housing could be one cause.

The committee's annual report was presented to MPs today, showing the number of abortions in the past year has increased - up 3.6 per cent, from 12,823 in 2016 to 13,285 in 2017.

Committee chairperson Professor Dame Linda Holloway said the increase was solely in Auckland and mainly within the 25-35 age group - an age where women are normally planning families, she said.

"Yet other areas in New Zealand with population growth do not have an increase ... there may be social and environmental factors in Auckland and greater Auckland that have impact on women in this reproductive age group," Dame Linda told reporters.

"It's wrong to speculate, but I suspect that housing, or lack of it, is one factor that impinges on the health of women in the reproductive age group."

She also slammed a lack of access to abortion services in Auckland - she has long called for abortion clinics to be opened in South and North Auckland, but has not had a response from the respective DHBs.

"It's frustrating for the women of South Auckland," Dame Linda said.

"They do get health care but they get health care where the access is more difficult than it probably ought to be."

Abortions have been gradually decreasing, mainly due to increased contraception use.

The report comes as Justice Minister Andrew Little considers Law Commission recommendations on overhauling our 40-year-old abortion laws.