DISCUSSION 
motivation in these countries is still unanswered. I can cite 
two experimental studies as examples, although they may not 
apply to larger groups. The first of these was conducted in 
Bombay with one of the conventional contraceptives, an 
intravaginal foam tablet. This was done under the best possible 
auspices by a group of very able physicians who went into the 
slums of Bombay and secured volunteers to use these foam 
tablets. At the end of one year only 12 per cent of the women 
who were originally enlisted in the project remained; at the end 
of two years practically none. This method was rejected on 
various grounds—but nonetheless rejected. In contrast, our 
experience with oral contraception in Puerto Rico has been 
almost the reverse: there is a drop-off in numbers, but it is the 
lowest for any type of contraceptive that has ever been studied. 
Haiti unfortunately gives us no opportunity for comparison, 
because they never had any previous contraceptive study, or 
even very much available in the way of contraceptives. So we 
are in a State of uncertainty about motivation, or about political 
opposition. In Haiti our work has been conducted as a private 
project, without government opposition. In Greece such 
measures would probably be opposed. In India they would be 
encouraged. 
Trowell: In underdeveloped countries from a quarter to a 
half of the children die in childhood, so that parents desire to 
have as many as possible. The first step in spreading the idea of 
family planning is to reduce infantile mortality that is due to a 
combination of disease and malnutrition. 
Klein: We have been talking about underdeveloped coun- 
tries, but what is the situation now in more civilized countries 
where contraception was prohibited but where the law will 
now perhaps be changing slowly? Have you got any informa- 
tion on the reaction of European countries to such plans? Do 
you think this question should be left to people who are working 
on demographic inquiries or to medical biologists specializing 
in reproductive physiology ? 
Pincus: ‘The tide of public opinion appears to be changing 
in many countries, as it has in Haiti, for example. I have had 
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