Two international students who face removal orders because they got pregnant while in New Zealand say they are being discriminated against and treated "unduly harshly". One plans to appeal to the Human Rights Commission.
Women who get pregnant while in New Zealand on temporary residency permits are being told they have to leave the country to have their babies because they would put pressure on already-stretched maternity services, the New Zealand Herald reported.
They are being told they cannot give birth here even if they are prepared to pay the full medical and maternity care costs.
Immigration New Zealand has told one pregnant woman that -- despite her financial stability -- she would "be putting an additional strain on our already short services".
Two married international students facing removal orders after becoming pregnant say the decision to throw them out is "unduly harsh and discriminatory".
A Human Rights Commission spokesman said that although the Human Rights Act listed "discrimination due to pregnancy", there was specific provision to exempt immigration matters.
One of the aggrieved students, a 29-year-old from China who is six months pregnant, said New Zealanders criticised her country over its lack of human rights, but international students who became pregnant here had fewer rights than anyone in China.
She is appealing against her removal order and does not want to be named for fear that her speaking out might jeopardise her appeal.
Sung Won Kim, 31, a horticulture student at the International College of Auckland, said she was "at a loss" after being told she had to leave New Zealand by June 21, because, she says, her pregnancy means she will not be eligible for a further permit.
"We are prepared to pay the costs up-front. We're not expecting anything free or to receive any special treatment in New Zealand, so how can they do this to me and my baby?" In the past, some foreigners wanted their children born in New Zealand to obtain citizenship, but the New Zealand Citizenship Act was changed in 2006 to require at least one of the parents to be a New Zealand citizen for this to happen.
The Ministry of Health estimates the average cost of an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery to be about $4000, but the amount can reach $8500 if there are complications.
The Department of Labour, which oversees immigration, said having applicants offer to pay their own maternity costs did not change the fact that they added to demand for services.
"There may also be a question of whether the person is able to undertake the course of study on the basis of which they are applying for a visa or permit if pregnant." Exceptions were granted for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents and, in some cases, to people applying for a work-to-residence visa or permit.
