HC Deb 30 June 1969 vol 786 cc14-5W
72. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many women from overseas have had pregnancies terminated privately in this country under the Abortion Act in recent months; and what proportion this represents of all abortions and of private abortions, respectively, during the corresponding period.

Mr. Crossman

881 during the three months March to May 1969, representing 7 per cent. of all abortions and 17.5 per cent. of private abortions in the period.

73. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of abortions performed under the Abortion Act on Birmingham women have been in National Health Service hospitals, private homes in Birmingham, and private homes in London; and what are the corresponding figures for Manchester and Wessex.

Mr. Crossman

Out of 1,455 abortions notified up to the end of 1968 as those relating to women usually resident in the Birmingham hospital region, 814 or 55.9 per cent. were performed in National Health Service hospitals in that region, 42 or 2.9 per cent. in private homes in that region, and 550 or 37.8 per cent. in private homes in the four London regions. The corresponding Manchester figures are 1,433; 1,197 or 83.5 per cent.; 20 or 1.4 per cent.; and 179 or 12.5 per cent. For Wessex they are 642; 386 or 60.1 per cent.; nil; and 217 or 33.8 per cent.

Dame Irene Ward

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the provision of blood under the National Transfusion Service to nursing homes registered for legal abortions, consultations have taken place with consulant pathologists, anaesthetists and gynaecologists as to the proper procedures to be carried out in regard to meeting the provisions of the appropriate Act.

Mr. Crossman

There are no statutory provisions to be met when blood is provided. The appropriate procedures are a matter for the clinicians concerned.

Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proportion of pregnancies terminated privately in London under the Abortion Act have been those of women usually resident in the Birmingham area.

Mr. Crossman

Out of 8,323 terminations notified from the four Metropolitan hospital regions up to the end of 1968, 550 or 6.6 per cent. related to women usually resident in the Birmingham hospital region.