Effects of the abortion law, 1967, on a gynaecological unit

In the United Kingdom the more liberal attitude towards abortions engendered by the 1967 Act has increased the work of a gynaecological unit at Salford, Lancashire, by about 10%. In 1964-65 there were 15 therapeutic abortions, and in 1969-70 the number had increased to 447. The increased demand has been catered for by a reduction of stay in gynaecological patients: in fact, the "through-put" has increased and the waiting-list diminished. The increased work-load on the blood transfusion service has been slight, and on the credit side there has been a reduction in the numbers of septic abortions. The major problem has been in the outpatient department, since these cases are time-consuming and it is difficult to make a fair and impartial decision.