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SPECIAL REPORTS ISSUED BY THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH DURINC THE YEAR.
BIRTH CONTROL CLINICS.
In accordance with the directions of the Maternity and Child
Welfare Committee I herewith present a report in respect of the
proposed establishment of a Birth Control Clinic in West Ham.
Having regard to the fact that the question of contraceptive
teaching at rate-aided clinics gives rise to such controversy and
diversion of opinion, I have thought that it would be helpful if all
members of the Committee had available for their consideration
copies of all official circulars on this subject issued by the Ministry
of Health (Memorandum 153/M.C.W., Circular 1208. Circular
1408 follows this Report).
I also attach a copy of the remarks of Sir George Newman,
Chief Medical Officer to the Ministry of Health and Board of
Education, taken from his Annual Report published last month.
These remarks, based as they are upon the experience garnered
from reports from all over the country, should be enlightening and
useful.
Undoubtably birth control is practised by approved methods
in all areas of the Borough and by most grades of people.
The present routine carried out at the Council's Maternity
and Child Welfare clinics in regard to this matter is as follows:—
Patients needing advice (for medical reasons only) are referred
by Assistant Medical Officers to the Birth Control Clinic at 6
Burdett Road, Mile End, E. This Clinic is run under the auspices
of the Society for the Provision of Birth Control Clinics, and is
in charge of a woman Medical Officer expert in this particular
subject, assisted by a trained nursing staff. The methods used
in regard to case taking, supply of appliances and subsequent
following up of cases, are uniform and satisfactory.
When for economic reasons the Clinic Medical Officers are
asked for advice on birth control, the practice has been simply to
give the address of the Clinic.
This practice has worked well, but could with advantage and
at small cost be extended so that in regard to those cases recommended
by the Medical Officers, the Committee might arrange that
no expenses be incurred by the patient.
Alternative methods suggested for the Committee's consideration
are:—
(1) The establishment of one or more sessions a week at the
existing Maternity and Child Welfare Clinics (these
sessions must be held at times apart from ordinary
routine work).
(2) To provide special premises as a Birth Control Clinic.
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