[Change in attitudes about illegal abortion].
Sociological and legal aspects of pregnancy interruption in West Germany, Europe, and the United States are discussed, and whether legal abortion tends to decrease the incidence of illegal abortion is not clear.
Abstract
Sociological and legal aspects of pregnancy interruption in West Germany, Europe, and the United States are discussed. Professional attitudes and public opinion have changed radically since World War 2 because of improved contraceptive technology, changing attitudes towards sexuality, and the "population explosion". West German statistics suggest, however, that contraception is only part of the answer to unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptive failure and the necessity of preparation must also be considered. Whether legal abortion tends to decrease the incidence of illegal abortion is also not clear, since statistics on illegal abortion are very incomplete. Medical problems of the illegal procedure (incomplete asepsis, lack of after-care, early and late complications) have remained a problem.