Foetal impairment

Foetal impairment(s) are grounds for an abortion in New Zealand, and refers to the existence of life-threatening or serious anatomical signs that will lead to either an impaired quality of life or at worst, lethal anatomical malformation which renders the fetus unable to survive outside a pregnant woman's body. It is one of several grounds contained within New Zealand's Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act 1977, amended 1978, and Section 187A of the Crimes Act 1961.

It should be noted however, that according to New Zealand Abortion Supervisory Committee statistics, most New Zealand terminations of pregnancy are ostensibly approved for mental health reasons.

For further details, see abortion in New Zealand.