Seminar On Contraception May Infringe The Law (Press, 12 August 1972)

On 12 August 1972, news broke about New Zealand's first seminar addressing contraception for secondary school pupils, scheduled to take place in Christchurch on 20 August. The seminar, organised by Miss J. S. Allan, a trainee teacher, faced potential legal consequences due to the Police Offences Amendment Act of 1954, which makes it an offence to instruct or persuade anyone under the age of 16 to use contraceptives. Miss Allan acknowledged the risks involved in hosting the seminar, highlighting the alarming statistic of numerous pregnant girls aged 13 to 15 who had either not received adequate contraceptive advice or were unaware of their options. The initiative received backing from both the New Zealand University Students’ Association and the University of Canterbury Students’ Association. Miss Allan, aligned with the Abortion Law Reform Association, Women’s Liberation movement, and Homosexual Law Reform Society, critiqued the existing legislation as "totally unrealistic." She expressed concern over the number of young girls experiencing unwanted pregnancies, asserting that the current law creates a "ridiculous situation" where no one can provide necessary advice to these adolescents. Both major political parties, Labour and National, had previously called for the repeal of the relevant sections of the Police Offences Act, yet the law still stood. Miss Allan emphasised the fallout from this ineffective regulation, sharing that the local Women’s Liberation movement received frequent calls from young girls seeking contraception advice and support. She noted that technically, parents could also be prosecuted for offering such advice to children under the age of 15, further complicating the issue. Despite her awareness of potential prosecution, Miss Allan expressed determination to proceed with the seminar as a public event, encouraging parents to join their children to foster open discussion at home about sex education, which she believed should primarily take place in familial settings. Chief Superintendent G. Tait of the Christchurch police commented on the situation, confirming that he was informed of the seminar but had not granted any assurances against prosecution. He indicated that while the seminar could proceed, if any instructional activity regarding contraception for those under 16 occurred, it would likely lead to legal action being taken. The upcoming seminar highlighted a significant intersection of social issues, including teenage pregnancy, sexual education, and the controversial legal restrictions surrounding contraceptive advice, all prompting a debate about the need for legislative reform and better support for young people.

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