Three hundred and eight Wessex women obtaining induced abortions in the National Health Service, or in a charitable clinic, were interviewed at the time of their operation. Information was obtained as to their sources of sexual knowledge, their use and experience of contraception and their intentions with regard to sterilization in the future.

Whilst there has apparently been an increase in the amount of sex education provided in schools over the last decade, its effectiveness must be in some doubt. There is still a failure to provide contraceptive services which reach younger patients, and it is suggested that family doctors may sometimes miss opportunities to offer their patients full advice as to the methods available.