Cautious implementation of Colorado's newly liberalized abortion law has obviated initial fears that the state might become an "abortion mecca." Denver General Hospital, a typical public hospital which had rarely performed therapeutic abortion, now has a major involvement in this procedure. In this report of early experience with the new law, the authors conclude that few clinical guidelines exist. A major clinical subtype among those reported—unemancipated teen-agers—requires more adequate study and special consideration. The lower socioeconomic groups continue to underutilize therapeutic abortion. A registry is planned to standardize information and provide the basis for further objective studies.Abstract Teaser