Title: [English abortion clinics in a bind]

POPLINE Document Number: 015791

Author(s):

Ernst E

Source citation:

Mmw. Munchener Medizinische Wochenschrift, 1981 Aug 7;123(32-33):1225.

Abstract:

Since the liberalization of legal abortion in West Germany it is no longer necessary for German women to travel to England to have an abortion performed. This leaves about 60 private abortion clinics in England and Wales in economic straights forcing them to look for alternative means to remain financially afloat. They did so by shifting their business to France and Spain where abortion laws are less liberal (illegal in Spain and only up to 10th pregnancy week in France). Advertising these services is officially prohibited and therefore not advisable. Instead the clinics send commercial representatives who introduce themselves to the relevant organizations in France where they, more or less discreetly, extol the quality of British services. This dubious practice has come to light recently and has been published in a British and a French newspaper. This has resulted in an official inquiry which may lead to closure of many of these clinics. Further revenue may be lost due to special interest groups working to restrict legal abortion, the competition of Dutch clinics and liberalization of abortion internationally.

Keywords:

England
Abortion
Family Planning Centers
Promotion
United Kingdom
Europe, Western
Europe
Developed Countries
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Health Facilities
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Marketing
Economic Factors