HAMILTON A ruling by the Health and Disability Commissioner that a woman considering an abortion should be offered a chance to view an ultrasound of her baby is being hailed as important and historic. Right to Life went to the commissioner after the Waikato District Health Board said advising a pregnant woman she could see a scan infringed her health rights.
Right to Life had surveyed 13 health boards that provide abortion services, seeking information on scan protocols.
In New Zealand, women considering an abortion normally undergo a scan before signing a consent form, Right to Lifes Ken Orr said.
The Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato and Wairarapa health boards response was that women were not offered a chance to view the scan unless specifically requested.
But commissioner Ron Paterson wrote that the Code of Health and Disability Consumers Rights states that consumers have the right to the information that a reasonable consumer, in that consumers circumstances, would expect to receive.
In my view, this would generally include the information that the woman may view the scan should she wish, Mr Paterson said.
Waikato DHB chief operating officer Jan Adams said the board supported the decision and would advise staff accordingly.
Any woman having such a scan could see it if she wished and she could also refuse to see it, Ms Adams said.
Mr Orr said the important and historic decision has national implications.
He wants the health minister to ensure abortion consent forms include confirmation that the woman has been offered an opportunity to see the scan. The minister has reportedly referred him to the Abortion Supervisory Committee.
Right to Life wants the minister to advise other health boards of the commissioners decision.
