Psychiatric referrals since the Abortion Act 1967

摘要: During the 1st year of Abortion Act, 1967, sixty-five patients were seen for a psychiatric opinion. Of these 50% single, 36% married and 14% separated or divorced. Referral was by general practitioner in 60%, gynaecologist ‘other’ 4%. Mean length history 18·9 months. Half had unhappy childhoods family relationships frequently disturbed. Four (6%) University students. pregnancy 11·0 weeks 87% single it their first; group third. In fourteen (21%) resulted from contraceptive failure. There previous 69%. The commonest diagnosis depression, mainly neurotic type (52%) but 29% no gross disorder. Termination recommended thirty-two (49%), this included six where sterilization also advised.