Abstract : The euphoria of success with abortion law reform, followed by the practical difficulties of implementation and the impact of the law are described in this paper. Some doctors are complying with the detailed reporting requirements and the Ministry ofHealth has produced a comprehensive report based on that information. There is a high rate of repeat abortion and little counselling is taking place. However, the balance of power between women and doctors providing abortions has been altered by the newlaw and, in spite of lack of action by government, within six months there was a 41 per cent reduction in hospital admissions for septic and incomplete abortion. This paper discusses the role of the non-governmental advisory board which monitors the law, a new NGO formed to support the implementation of the law, the importance of the local media, and the difficulties of sustaining action for change where civil society is weak. It comments on these events, in which both authors were active participants.
Web site : http://www.rhmjournal.org.uk