Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

operation. Many mothers do not make the decision to have a
pregnancy terminated with out some inner conflict. There are
religious, psychological, social and cultural factors, which
affect the woman's decision. Important considerations are her
economic and marital status, the health and well being of
existing children in the family and the presence of an
abnormal fetus.
A few may be advised on health grounds to discontinue the
pregnancy.
In the United Kingdom the 1967 Abortion act made the
following provisions: Two registered medical practitioners
should be of the opinion that the pregnancy should be
terminated if (myles text book of midwives)
- The continuance of the pregnancy would involve a risk to
the life of the pregnant woman or of injury to her physical
and mental health.
- The continuance of the pregnancy would be detrimental to
the health and well-being of the existing children in the
family.
- There is a substantial risk that the child when born would
suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be
seriously handicapped.
287