This is a subject in which one can readily become entangled in semantic confusion. Short definitions of the unwanted pregnancy are always inadequate and I am going to assume that we all know what we mean by the term. I would comment that a planned pregnancy is a wanted pregnancy, but not all unplanned pregnancies are ultimately unwanted. Many of us here could, in truth, be described as more or less happy accidents.

Sir Dugald Baird, in his Galton Lecture to this Society earlier in this Symposium, suggested that the obstetrician in society should no longer aim to acquire all the skills previously encompassed in obstetrics and gynaecology. Instead, he should develop some special interests, and then make his contribution to society by being part of a team of colleagues. One such special interest is the dissemination of factual knowledge and of an enlightened and enquiring attitude to sex and reproduction among the population at large.