ABORTION EVILS

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 13

ABORTION EVILS

STRENGTHENING OF LAW DEMANDED WOMEN'S INSTITUTES SEEK ROYAL COMMISSION [Per United Press Association.] NEW PLYMOUTH, April 23. A definite stand on the question o, bortion was taken by 120 delegates rom Taranaki Women’s Institutes who uet here this morning. Following an -.ddress by Dr Doris Gordon, the authoi jf a book on the subject, ‘ The Evils if Abortion in New Zealand/ the fol.owing resolutions were carried unanimously : (1) The report of the Committee of Enquiry into Abortion, in conjunction with the evidence revealed in the book, ‘ Gentlemen of the Jury,’’ discloses a state of affairs of the utmost_ seriousness and importance, requiring the urgent consideration of the Government and all associations and persons having the interests of the State at heart.

(2) It appears that the administration of the law relating to criminal abortion is not effective, and that the legal position in regard to sterilisation requires definition. (3) This meeting heartily endorses the committee’s recommendations— That pain-relieving measures in childbirth should be more widely used; that the problem of domestic help for mothers should be remedied; and that new laws should be framed governing the sale and advertising of contraceptives, abortifacients, and so-called “ regulators.” (4) This meeting in particular urges the Government at onoe to appoint_ a Royal Commission, under the chairmanship of a judge of the Supreme Court, with the object of: (a) Considering the existing machinery of the law relating to criminal abortion and recommending amendments - and extensions to make it more effective; (b) defining the .Now Zealand law in reference to sterilisation and < recommending legislation to provide for modem conditions; and (c) framing laws governing the sale and advertising of contraceptives, abortifacients, and regulators, with the necessary machinery for ensuring that these laws will be rigidly enforced.