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47
There is a recent direct statement on this subject by the
Minister of Health, so that there can be no further doubt in the
matter. A direct question was addressed to the Minister by the
League of National Life, and a direct reply by him has set out the
principles which determine the present policy of the Ministry. I
beg leave to quote in full some paragraphs that appeared in the
public newspapers a few months ago, i.e., late in 1926, the year
under review:—
"The Minister has, in agreement with his predecessors,
adopted the policy with regard to the matter which is set out
below:—
"That the Maternity and Child Welfafe Centre should
deal only with the expectant and nursing mother (and infant)
and not with the married or unmarried woman contemplating
the application of contraceptive methods.
"That it is not the function of an Ante-natal Centre or
a Maternity and Child Welfare Centre to give advice in
regard to birth control, and that exceptional cases, in which
the avoidance of pregnancy seems desirable on medical
grounds, should be referred by the Medical Officer of the
Centre for particular advice to a private practitioner or
hospital."
It is explained that the reference of exceptional cases by the
Medical Officer of a Centre is a totally different matter from the
giving of contraceptive advice and instruction at the Centre itself,
and that such reference should be made only on medical grounds
by the Medical Officer of the Centre, and not by nurses on general
social grounds.
This has been our policy; and I have reason to believe that
the Health Visitors are loyally carrying into effect the wishes of
the Medical Officer in charge of the Centre in reference to the
question of Birth Control.
The Ante-Natal Clinic.
At the Ante-Natal Clinic provision is made for the care and
examination of expectant mothers, to secure good health throughout
the pregnancy, and a safe ending to it for both mother and
child.