Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Various Aspects of the Problem of Abortion in New Zealand

by New Zealand. Committee of Inquiry into various aspects of the Problem of Abortion in New Zealand; D. G. McMillan

(3) To advise as to the best means of combating and preventing the occurrence of septic abortion in New Zealand;

(4) Generally to make any other observations or recommendations that appear appropriate to the Committee on the subject.

The following were appointed members of the Committee:—

Dr. D. G. McMillan, M.B., Ch.B. (N.Z.), M.P., Chairman.
Mrs. Janet Fraser.
Dr. Sylvia G. Chapman, M.D., D.G.O. (T.C.D.).
Dr. Thomas F. Corkill, M.D. (Edin.), M.R.C.P. (Edin.), M.C.O.G.
Dr. Tom L. Paget, L.R.C.P. (Lond.), M.R.C.S. (Eng.).

REPORT.

The Hon. the Minister of Health, Wellington.

Sir,—

The Committee set up by Cabinet to inquire into the various aspects of the Problem of Abortion in New Zealand has the honour to submit herewith its report.

HISTORICAL AND INTRODUCTION.

Since the rise in the death-rate from septic abortion in 1930, the Department of Health, the medical profession, and women's organizations and societies have shown great concern regarding the problem. The Obstetrical and Gynæcological Society of the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association conveyed to the Prime Minister a resolution passed at the meeting of its executive held in Wellington on 12th March, 1936, wherein it begged the Prime Ministry to consider the advisability of setting up a Committee of inquiry to investigate this matter.