The Legislation Of Abortion

Question 1

What was abortion law prior to 1970s

Answer 1

-abortion illegal
-only way was to find private clinic or backstreet abortion
-around 100000-200000 illegal abortion each year + around 35000 women hospitalised due to complications
-1958-69 82 women died from illegal abortions

Question 2

What was the abortion law reform association

Answer 2

-campaigned for reform from 1945
-after thalidomide disaster 1959-62 public opinion swayed
-but not everyone convinced — 1966 society for protection unborn children opposed liberalisation to law
-lib mo David steel led reform campaign supported by lab govt + Jenkins ensured all night commons sitting to pass act

Question 3

What was the thalidomide disaster

Answer 3

-1960s drug prescribed for pregnant women with morning sickness found produce congenial deformities in children
-children commonly born without long bones or arm or legs
-reaction to this opinion polls showed majority favour of abortion when abnormality detected in foetus in early pregnancy

Question 4

What was the family planning abortion act 1967

Answer 4

-permitted legal termination pregnancy within first 28 weeks
-had to be under medical supervision with consent of 2 doctors
-only justification was ‘mental suffering’ of pregnant women + not just physician condition
-number abortion increased 4 per 100 live births 1968 (35000) 17.6 1975 (141000)