Supreme Court Doctor Fined £500 On Abortion Count

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30827, 12 August 1965, Page 10

Supreme Court Doctor Fined £500 On Abortion Count

Norman Francis Boag, aged 72, a doctor, was fined £5OO when he appeared for sentence before Mr Justice Wilson in the Supreme Court yesterday on a charge of unlawfully using an instrument with intent to procure a miscarriage. He was found guilty by a jury last week. His Honour said he was satisfied Boag's health was such that he should not be imprisoned. Were it not for this the sentence would have been one of imprisonment. “The offence of which you have been found guilty is regarded as one of the most serious in the Crimes Act and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment,” he said. “As a doctor you must be aware that the destruction of human life, even in the embryo stage, unless necessary for the health of the mother, is a most serious matter.” His Honour said he took into account that Boag had previously maintained a good record. “I have also taken into account that if this operation had to be done it was better done by you in the aseptic conditions of your surgery than by an amateur in danger-

ous conditions. The girl remained in good health. “However, were it not that I have regard to your age and health you would go to prison," his Honour said.

Boag had had a heart seizure in October, said his counsel (Mr B. McClelland). Medical opinion put his disability at 50 per cent. His blood pressure was high, and he had arterial trouble. For the Crown, Mr C. M. Roper made no submissions.