H.—3la.

It is believed that, where the reasons for the operation are in accord with generally accepted medical opinion, there is no bar to its performance. We see, however, tendencies in the direction of extending this operation far beyond the bounds of this accepted medical opinion. For this reason we do not recommend any alteration in the present position. The failure to obtain the conviction of the criminal abortionist, even in cases where the guilt seems beyond all doubt, has been discussed as a matter of serious concern, and the Committee can only bring before the public its responsibility, as represented by members of juries, for the virtual encouragement of this evil practice. Finally, the Committee, while fully conscious of its inability to place before you a complete and certain solution of this grave problem, or one which will satisfy all shades of opinion, believes that a definite service will have been done through this investigation if full publicity is given to the facts of the situation as here revealed, and if the public conscience is awakened to the fact that, although State aid and legal prohibitions may do something to remove causes and to deter crime, the ultimate issue rests with the attitude and action of the people themselves. THANKS. To Mr. C. Stubley, of the staff of the Department of Health, we extend our thanks for the efficient manner in which he carried out his duties as Secretary to the Committee, and also to Misses B. Frost and 0. Clist who, as stenographers to the Committee, had a very arduous task, and whose excellent reports materially assisted the members of the Committee in their final deliberations. D. G. McMillan, Chairman. Janet Fkaser. Sylvia G. Chapman. T. F. Corkill. T. L. Paget.

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