A Novel Idea?

Our point of view on abortion and birth control in general is far from new; it has been put forward for decades by women all over the world. From the beginning of the twentieth century, women in many countries have demanded and fought for the legalisation of abortion, on basically the same grounds that we do: that women have a right to freedom of choice in a matter concerning them so closely.

Our own New Zealand experience is worth noting here. In 1936, the major women's organisations in this country were among those who made submissions to a Committee of Inquiry into the incidence of septic abortion. Widespread concern had been expressed at the rise in the number of women dying as a result of illegal abortion over the preceding years. The case for legal abortion was put forward, and, according to the Committee's report (NZ Parliament. Appendix to the Journals. 1937-38, v3, H-31A.) the sentiment behind it was substantially backed by public opinion.

On page 11 the report states: "It is clear that, whether the motives be worthy or selfish, women of all classes are demanding the right to decide how many children they will have."

And on page 18: "Evidence was given by responsible and representative women in support of a mother's right to say when she will bear her children..."

However, the Committee chose to ignore these opinions, to characterise this right of women as a "privilege", and to recommend as a "solution" to the problem of illegal abortion a strong appeal to the womanhood of New Zealand to overcome their "selfishness' and respect the "priveleges of motherhood"!

We sincerely hope the women of New Zealand will not be offered the same "solution" in 1974.