Research

Research is critical to the improvement of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Aotearoa. Research provides information about inequity and causes of inequity.  
 
There is a large body of research produced overseas about sexual and reproductive health issues. For example, this study — conducted in the United States — examines the safety and effectiveness of self-managed early medical abortion.  
 
There is some research about sexual and reproductive health issues in Aotearoa. This article is an example of quality local research on the disparities in use of combined oral contraceptives by ethnicity.  
 
There has been some good research done about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Aotearoa — but extensive research has never been prioritised. We still have big gaps in our understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Aotearoa.  
 
We have filled some research gaps with our own research and annual surveys. One research project by Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning) explored changes in clients’ contraceptive use over a decade. Another project, with the University of Canterbury and the New Zealand Health Education Association, investigated teachers’ experiences of relationships and sexuality education. Our annual surveys aren’t formal research, but they do provide useful information about certain sexual health and wellbeing issues.

• NZ secondary school teacher's perspectives on teaching RSE 2022
• Why Us Survey 2021 
• Contraception Use Survey 2020
• Parents’ and Caregivers’ views of Relationships and Sexuality Education 2020
• Young People’s Experiences of Sexuality Education 2019