Story: Women’s movement

Abortion march, 1977

Abortion march, 1977

This May 1977 abortion-rights march (which numbered about 300) – seen here in Parliament grounds – was probably prompted by the Commission of Inquiry into Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion, set up by the government to deal with the perennially controversial topic of abortion. Many of the marchers were young members of the Women’s National Abortion Action Campaign, accompanied by a sprinkling of male supporters. Although abortion was largely seen as a women’s issue, it also concerned many men. Some wanted their wives or girlfriends to have access to it, while others were fiercely opposed.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PAColl-7327)
Reference: EP-1977-1852

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Women’s movement - Health, fertility and education', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/27918/abortion-march-1977 (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 5 May 2011