Moreover, in order that the importance and various bearings of the subject may be better appreciated, and that the writer’s position and aims may be more fairly understood, it must be borne in mind that there exist to this discussion certain positive and apparent objections, which have, in a measure, given rise to much of the silence and omission alluded to above, and are, in the main, as follows:— 1. The natural dislike of any physician to enter upon a subject on some points of which it is probable that a portion of the profession is at variance with him, either from disbelief in the alleged increase of criminal abortion, unnoticed for reasons shown hereafter, or from a blind reliance on Providence of itself to abate the evil. 2. His fear, lest by any possible chance, by showing the frequency of the crime and its means, he may unhappily cause its still further increase. 3. The reluctance on the part of many of the profession to attack a powerful and acknowledged moneyed interest; 4. And to tell their patients, more commonly than is yet general, most unwelcome truth; thus not merely condemning, but, to their own consciences at least, criminating them; 5. And individually to risk losing practice, if thought more scrupulous than others; 6. And to be brought into more frequent contact with the law, even though for ends of justice; 7. And to exercise greater care and discretion in diagnosis and treatment, lest themselves be brought to answer for malpractice, or worse; 8. And publicly to discuss matters supposed to be generally unknown, and thus seem to throw open professional secrets to the world. And, finally, grave doubts lest the statements made, though simple and true, should yet appear so astounding as to shock belief, or so degrading as to tend to lessen all faith in natural affection and general morality. But these objections, so far at least as regards the profession, are undoubtedly but of limited existence; and, on the other hand, as more than counterbalancing them all, are the following arguments:— That medical men are the physical guardians of women and their offspring; from their position and peculiar knowledge necessitated in all obstetric matters to regulate public sentiment and to govern the tribunals of justice. That the discussion by them of this crime may very probably be the means, in great measure, of ultimately restraining or suppressing its perpetration. That such will undoubtedly tend to save much health to the community and many human lives. And, that, were there no other reason, it is clearly a duty.