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8
bearing age though the risk increases with the age of the women and increases more significantly after 40. However, it should be appreciated that a 1% pre- valence is by no means a large one by itself.
11
Accordingly, if this recommendation were accepted it would be a clear step towards abortion on demand for all women.
Public relations
23
Abortion is a controversial and emotive subject. Attitudes are affected by religious belief, personal views and moral standards. The most powerful opponent of abortion is the Roman Catholic church, which can be expected to oppose the proposals in this memorandum. On the other hand, some sectors of the community, including women's organisations and the news media, have been calling for more liberal abortion laws, in keeping with developments elsewhere; they can be expected to welcome the proposals. While opinions on the subject are therefore divided, it is felt that on balance the public in general will side with the latter group as there have been expressions of sympathy for victims of rape or incest, especially where young girls are involved.
24
Publicity will have to be carefully handled, empha- sising that the proposals do not amount to a general relaxation of the abortion law, but merely meet individual needs and rationalise the operation of the present law.
Publication of the Report
25
The Secretary for Home Affairs and the Director of Home Affairs consider that, as Government is not seeking public comment on the Report, and since the subject is controversial, publication would only generate unnecessary and prolonged debate to little purpose. Should publication be considered necessary at a later stage (possibly in connection with the consultations envisaged in paragraph 15 above), a modified version could be prepared for public information.
26
G.S. 84
Honourable Members will be asked to advise whether:
(a) the proposals in paragraphs 19 and 20 should
be adopted;
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