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Report of the Committee of Inquiry into the Various Aspects of the Problem of Abortion in New Zealand — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi

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

John Stuart Mill · en

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.

This recommendation having been favourably considered, the following
Committee was appointed:--

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

Although the immediate purpose of this inquiry was to investigate the
problem of septic abortion, it at once became apparent that this matter
was so inextricably bound up with the subject of abortion in general
that all aspects would require consideration.

The Committee has therefore attempted to make this wider survey and to
bring before you as complete a picture as possible.

The Committee has been guided by the Order of Reference, which was as
follows:--

      I. To inquire into and report upon the incidence of 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.

     II. To inquire into and report upon the underlying causes for the
     occurrence of abortion in New Zealand, including medical,
     economic, social, and any other factors.

    III. To advise as to the best means of combating and preventing the
    occurrence of abortion in New Zealand.

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

The preliminary meeting of the Committee was held on the 18th August,
and in all sixteen meetings have been held, of which thirteen meetings
were held in Wellington, one in Dunedin, one in Auckland, and one in
Christchurch.

Evidence was heard from--