Abortion. By F. W. Stella Browne, A. M. Ludovici and Dr. Harry Roberts. (Allen and Unwin. 4s. 6d.) Reviewed by C. L. C. BURNS
This bright and instructive little book on a gloomy subject is in the form of a debate on the legalisation of abortion, with Miss Stella Browne in favour, Mr. Ludovici against, and Dr. Harry Roberts trying to find a middle way.
Miss Browne is given to emotional appeals and many exclamation marks, which do not help to make her case any more convincing. Her contribution does, however, bring out the important fact that the agitation for abortion, as for sterilisation, is in logical sequence with the contraception movement. She frankly states that methods of birth-control are not altogether satisfactory, and argues that abortion should be available for any woman who wants it, as an additional safeguard. This is to apply not only to married women, since marriage itself is illogical when we come to the full circle of modern paganism.
Her paradise regained is, of course, soviet Russia, where abortion centres provide a peep-show for the gaping tourist.
Mr. Ludovici provides some very significant figures from Russian doctors showing the startling amount of ill-effects that follow official abortions in that country; it (Continued in next column.) is apparently becoming necessary to educate women as to its many dangers. He then disposes of Miss Brown's points one after the other in brutal masculine fashion.
Dr. Roberts quotes several hard cases but, while admitting that these make bad law, would allow legal abortion for them.
The unflinching logic of the Catholic Church may seem very hard at times, but it is kinder and wiser in the long run than the muddled pragmatism of those who would do evil for a problematical good.