Marlene E Hunter
Extract
Applications for therapeutic abortion over a 44-week period in a 647-bed community hospital are reviewed . . . . No contraceptive measures were being employed at the time of conception by 69.7%. Less than one sixth of the patients were applying because of severely adverse social, psychological or medical reasons. . . . it was often difficult to refrain from presuming that “she is in no position to raise a child” indicated inconvenience rather than incipient emotional disaster. . . . Women must be informed that abortion is not a minor procedure and that long term hazards to themselves, to future pregnancies and to future children are significantly high. . . . The concept of prevention rather than abortion should be emphasized. . . surely we can assist more women to achieve satisfactory methods of control.
Hunter ME. Applications for abortion at a community hospital. Can Med Assoc J. 1974 Nov 16;111(10):1088-1092.