Produced by Jonathan Ah Kit, Mark C. Orton, Victoria University of Wellington College of Education (Gender and Women's Studies Programme) and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net 1937. NEW ZEALAND. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY INTO THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROBLEM OF ABORTION IN NEW ZEALAND. _Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives by Leave._ CONTENTS. PAGE Historical and Introduction 2 Part I.--Incidence of Abortion in New Zealand 3 Part II.--Underlying Causes 8 Part III.--Possible Remedial Measures 12 Part IV.--Medico-legal Aspects 19 Summary and Conclusions 26 Thanks 28 CONSTITUTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF COMMITTEE. In accordance with the decision of Cabinet, a special Committee was appointed on 4th August, 1936,-- (1) To inquire into and report upon the incidence of septic abortion in New Zealand, including-- (_a_) The incidence among married and single women; (_b_) Whether the rate of incidence has increased during recent years; (_c_) How New Zealand compares with other countries in this respect; (2) To inquire into and report upon the underlying causes for the occurrence of septic abortion in New Zealand, including medical, economic, social, and any other factors; (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.