occurrence of septic abortion in New Zealand, including medical,
economic, social, and any other factors;

(3) To advise as to the best means of combating and preventing the
occurrence of septic abortion in New Zealand;

(4) Generally to make any other observations or recommendations
that appear appropriate to the Committee on the subject.

The following were appointed members of the Committee:--

Dr. D. G. McMillan, M.B., Ch.B. (N.Z.), M.P., Chairman.
Mrs. Janet Fraser.
Dr. Sylvia G. Chapman, M.D., D.G.O. (T.C.D.).
Dr. Thomas F. Corkill, M.D. (Edin.), M.R.C.P. (Edin.), M.C.O.G.
Dr. Tom L. Paget, L.R.C.P. (Lond.), M.R.C.S. (Eng.).

REPORT.

The Hon. the Minister of Health, Wellington.

SIR,--

The Committee set up by Cabinet to inquire into the various aspects of
the Problem of Abortion in New Zealand has the honour to submit
herewith its report.

HISTORICAL AND INTRODUCTION.

Since the rise in the death-rate from septic abortion in 1930, the
Department of Health, the medical profession, and women's organizations
and societies have shown great concern regarding the problem. The
Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of the New Zealand Branch of the
British Medical Association conveyed to the Prime Minister a resolution
passed at the meeting of its executive held in Wellington on 12th
March, 1936, wherein it begged the Prime Ministry to consider the
advisability of setting up a Committee of inquiry to investigate this
matter.

This recommendation having been favourably considered, the following
Committee was appointed:--

Dr. D. G. McMillan, M.B., Ch.B. (N.Z.), M.P., Chairman.
Mrs. Janet Fraser.
Dr. Sylvia G. Chapman, M.D. (N.Z.), M.B., Ch.B. (N.Z.).
Dr. T. F. Corkill, M.D. (Edin.), M.R.C.P. (Edin.).
Dr. T. L. Paget, M.R.C.S. (Edin.), L.R.C.P. (Lond.).

Although the immediate purpose of this inquiry was to investigate the
problem of septic abortion, it at once became apparent that this matter
was so inextricably bound up with the subject of abortion in general
that all aspects would require consideration.

The Committee has therefore attempted to make this wider survey and to
bring before you as complete a picture as possible.

The Committee has been guided by the Order of Reference, which was as
follows:--

I. To inquire into and report upon the incidence of abortion in
New Zealand, including--