Counselling needs of women seeking abortions

Abstract

Summary Over the course of a year, 162 women requesting termination of pregnancy were assessed by interview by both a consultant gynaecologist and a medical social worker. Only thirteen (8%) were referred as requiring medical advice and most of these basically had social problems. In contrast, 85 (52%) were found to require the help of the medical social worker for either detailed counselling or various supportive measures.