DR. J. M. MUNRO KERR'S PAPER 423 



can only be remedied by an association such as yours, 

 and by the Public Health Department coming to our 

 aid. 



But when one comes to consider the remedy for 

 the existing unsatisfactory conditions, there must be 

 great differences of opinion. To-day I can only give 

 my own views on the matter. I advance my views 

 with a certain amount of diffidence, for the problem is 

 a difficult one, and the proposals I am about to make 

 will, I feel certain, meet with much adverse criticism. 



Well, without further delay, let me say that after 

 the most careful consideration of the whole matter I 

 have come to the opinion that it is essential that 

 intimation of pregnancy should be made compulsory. 

 Now let us consider the advantages and the dis- 

 advantages or objections to such a radical step. 



As regards the advantages, I shall merely 

 enumerate them, for they are obvious, (i) Every 

 pregnant woman could be looked after during her 

 pregnancy, and the complications of pregnancy treated 

 at an early stage. (2) Proper arrangements could be 

 made for the woman's confinement and many of the 

 more serious complications of parturition might be 

 prevented. (3) Arrangements for the care of the 

 new-born could be made as regards food and clothing; 

 many infantile deaths could be prevented, and many 

 more children could be started in life healthy and well- 

 nourished. 



I might also mention that by this intimation of 

 pregnancy a better control would be exercised over 

 illegitimate births and the places and manner in which 

 they occur. 



But naturally the objections concern us most, 

 for, although no possible bodily harm could result 

 to pregnant women from compulsory intimation of 

 pregnancy, they would undoubtedly be put to certain 

 inconveniences. 



Now it appears to me that the first objection 



