Psychiatric Opinion Regarding Abortion: Preliminary Report of a Survey
RALPH M. CROWLEY M.D.1, and
ROBERT W. LAIDLAW M.D.2
1 Fellow of the William Alanson White Institute of Psychiatry, Psychoanalysis and Psychology; Associate Attending Psychiatrist, the Roosevelt Hospital, and member of the advisory committee of the Association for the Study of Abortion
2 Chief of the Department of Psychiatry, the Roosevelt Hospital, and chairman of the psychiatric committee and member of the board of directors of the Association for the Study of Abortion
A survey of the opinions of psychiatrists regarding indications for interruption of pregnancy showed that over four-fifths of those responding favored liberalization of the legally permitted bases for interruption of pregnancy.
In addition, letters and comments revealed an intense interest in the matter, not only in regard to the welfare and interests of the individual woman but also in regard to the welfare and interests of the child-to-be and that of the community to which both mother and child look for support.
Canadian and foreign psychiatrists differed little from their U. S. colleagues.
