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  • Title: Unsympathetic attitudes of U.K. physicians limit availability of abortion.
    Journal: Fam Plann Perspect; 1980; 12(3):157-8. PubMed ID: 7398866.
    Abstract:
    A woman's ability to obtain an abortion in her own community in England often depends on her physician's attitude toward abortion. Although the National Health Service (NHS) provides abortions without charge, only about 43% of abortions performed from 1978 to 1978 were NHS abortions, and the proportion varied greatly in different regions. Abortion and birth data for the 10 health districts in Wessex were analyzed and 32 of the 34 consultant gynecologists were surveyed to determine why 49% of Wessex women seeking NHS abortions in 1974 obtained them in regions other than their own. 24 of the doctors said their waiting lists for gynecological work affected their decision on whetherto provide abortions, and 12 said they had conscientious objections to abortion. 14 said the Abortion Act should be made more rigorous, 17 said that it should not be changed, and only 3 said they they were satisfied with it. 41% of the 2678 Wessex women who obtained abortions outside their own districts in 1975 went to a private clinic in Brighton. More than 60% of 197 clinic patients interviewed said they were getting a private clinic abortion because there was "no choice offered," and another 32% wished to remain anonymous. Over 30% of both groups obtained their abortions after 12 weeks. About 20% of patients had seen a general practitioner 3 times before their abortions, and 7% had seen one 4 or more times. The researchers concluded that much of the delay suffered by these patients was avoidable. A relationship was also found between the availability of family planning services and the abortion rate in the health districts of Wessex.
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