| Résumé |
The authors consider it essential that the Lane Committee give priority to the needs of women in its consideration of the workings of the 1967 Abortion Act. In order to establish the needs and feelings of women 1000 questionnaires were distributed. 111 completed questionnaires were returned--103 from women who had experienced abortion and 8 from women who tried and failed to get an abortion. Of the women who succeeded, 53% were housewives or students. 62% were single. 19% of the married separated or divorced women had 3 children or more and 95% of the single women had no children. 77% said they had feelings of horror/fear on learning they were pregnant. Most of the abortions were legal private abortions. On the average, the women were 7 and 1/2 weeks pregnant before making contact with a GP, private doctor or clinic. The time taken for recovery seemed to depend on whether the woman had a badly performed abortion with resulting complications or if she was initially confused about whether or not to have the abortion and was pressurized into it by parents or doctor. 70% of the women felt relieved after the operation, 18% confused, and 12% depressed. In retrospect 89% were still pleased with the decision, 9% regretted the experience but not abortion, and 2% regretted the abortion. 89% believed that abortion should be freely available to all. Case histories are presented for women who failed to get an abortion, most who wish they could have had an abortion. A number of them tried to abort themselves. Many of the women, those who succeeded and those who failed, had had difficulties in getting or using contraceptives. The need for out-patient abortion facilities was emphasized. In the manifesto, it is declared that women must have control over their own lives. Letters written by women who have experienced unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and attempts to get an abortion are included in the booklet. [www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/] |