Under previous New Zealand law, an abortion could only be performed if two doctors approved of the procedure and it was deemed there was a "serious danger" to the pregnant woman's health.
"The previous law required a woman seeking an abortion to go through many hoops. The changes agreed to by parliament will better ensure women get advice and treatment in a more timely way," said Minister Little.
The reform bill, introduced by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government, provides that women will no longer have to be assessed by doctors with regard to their physical and mental health to undergo an abortion before 20 weeks.
