§ Sir B. Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent studies he has made of the consequence of abortion for subsequent pregnancies.
§ Sir K. JosephTo date, my Department has commissioned no studies into the consequences of abortion in subsequent pregnancies. Studies of this nature
58WCumberland Hospital Management Committee:
would involve sensitive and difficult issues requiring the prolonged follow-up of patients who have had an abortion with a consequent risk of the confidential nature of the operation. Problems exist in finding a suitably-matched control group to ensure the validity of the study. Despite these difficulties the need for a study is recognised and steps are being taken to see how such a study could be initiated.