[Acceptance, information, counselling concerning abortion and contraception]. / Accueil, information, conseil, en matiere d'avortement et contraception.

PIP: When a woman applies to undergo abortion at the Hospital de la Timone, the Social Gynecology Center invites her to take part in a group discussion between the operating team and other patients. The patients have the opportunity to ask and discuss questions about abortion and contraception. Often the group of abortion seekers is characterized by a feeling of anguish or fantasy about death. It is also good for the operating team to have this interaction with patients, to become aware of their anxieties and needs.^ieng

[1960-1980: the resistance to contraception]. / 1960-1980: les resistences a la contraception.

PIP: Resistance to contraception, especially when badly needed, has profound psychological roots, very often unclear. The unconscious desire for a child, vis-a-vis the conscious knowledge of the problems such a child may create, plays a fundamental role in the emotional life of a woman. Men can complicate the problem; they often identify sexual potency with reproductive power, and refuse contraception for their female partners. The role of a physician in such situations is very important, very difficult and delicate. He is the one who knows, who advises, who prescribes, and who must, above all, understand. Information on contraception should be more widespread and more accurate, and every young couple should be convinced that contraception will help resolve many demographic problems, create a more responsible sexuality, improve the affective and economic situation of a family, and diminish maternal and perinatal morbidity.^ieng

[The narrow path]. / La voie etroite.

PIP: This short paper attempts an evaluation, 4 years after the promulgation of the law, of legally induced abortion as practiced in the several Centers of Social Gynecology, in Marseille, France. The four basic principles of the law have been respected and realized: 1) availability of personnel, of hospital beds, and of clinics; 2) promotion of contraception and of health education; 3) organization of structures by which a woman can be advised and counseled while keeping total freedom of choice; and 4) unconditional respect of the clause of conscientious objection required by law. Problems still to be solved regard: 1) foreigners, especially from North Africa, who come to France to obtain an abortion; 2) minors without parents' consent; and 3) reimbursement of expenses by the Social Security.^ieng