Reform doesn't solve anything

If women did not genuinely want abortions, they would not risk their lives and liberty to such an extent. Of all the reasons for abortion, the desire of women to prevent the birth of an unwanted child is the most common, and the least recognised in the laws of most countries throughout the world. In Britain, where the law was reformed in 1968 to include broader grounds for abortion, illegal abortions continue at a higher rate. The reformed law has not recognised the overwhelming wish of women to decide for themselves whether or not they want a pregnancy continued, and thus it drives them back to the illegal racket. In fact, reform of the British law has shown that there is a real need, not for minor changes, but for total repeal of abortion laws.

Despite what some opponents say, abortion is a simple procedure which does not require hospitalisation, provided it is done early. The earlier an abortion can be obtained, the more easily it is done — and with much greater safety. Death rates from abortion are considerably higher in countries with cumbersome regulations than in those countries where abortion is readily available. In Czechoslovakia, 140,000 abortions were performed between 1962 and 1964 without a single death. In Sweden, where regulations waste much precious time, there were more than 30 deaths per 100,000 abortions in the same period.