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Ante-natal relaxation and post-natal exercises are taught in all the clinics. 947
women made 3,082 attendances at these clinics during the year.
Incidence of Congenital Malformations
Since 1st January, 1964 the Ministry of Health (now the Department of Health
and Social Security) have required all congenital malformations in new-born babies to
be notified by Local Health Authorities to the Registrar General, so as to enable the
latter to complete statistical information from which to detect any national or regional
changes in the pattern of congenital malformations.
The number of babies born with defects during 1971 was 30.
Family Planning
Medical Cases.
In the first three months of the year, 18 women were referred by the Council's
medical officers for family planning on medical grounds. From 1st April, 1971, the
service was extended to include any women whose health, in the opinion of the examining
doctor, would be expected to suffer by the increased mental, physical or social burdens
placed on her by pregnancy. The cost of advice and supplies for 498 women was met by
the Council under this new scheme during the remaining nine months.
Domiciliary Cases.
In accordance with the Council's scheme, 50 cases were referred to the Domiciliary
Service of the Family Planning Association up to the end of the year.
Youth Counselling Service.
During 1971, 52 clients were referred for help for the first time, an increase of 22%
over last year's figures. 62% of the persons referred were under 21; only 7 were males.
27 young people were referred for contraceptive advice and 9 for other sexual problems
which included such difficulties as unwanted pregnancy and non-consummation of
marriage. 14 young people were referred with problems in other aspects of their lives;
altogether 31 of the clients were given contraceptive advice and of these 19 had already
had a pregnancy, 18 ending in termination.
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