THE BIRKETT COMMITTEE [To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR, —The
Government have taken a wise and necessary step in setting up the Departmental Committee under the distin-
guished chairmanship of Mr. Norman Birkett, K.C., " to enquire into the prevalence of abortion and the present law relating thereto, and to consider what steps can be taken, by more effective enforcement of the law or otherwise, to secure the reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity arising from this cause."
These terms of reference allow considerable scope, and can include all the factors in the deb.:1de of Sections 58 and 59 of the Statute of 1861. Moreover, the Committee will have before them the examples of Iceland, Denmark, Poland, Latvia and (even) the Argentine Republic, in legislation more con- sonant with justice, mercy and common sense.
After years of effort for reform, may I welcome the Com- mittee with congratulations and thanks ?—I am, yours very
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