The Case for Reform

number of illegal abortions performed each year, but according to the best estimates the figure is somewhere between 50,000 and 100,000, though it may be substantially higher. A fairly small proportion of these operations are carried out by qualified doctors in reasonably hygienic conditions. The professional or "Harley Street" abortionist charges a high fee for a simple operation, to compensate for the risk of criminal prosecution he allegedly runs. Despite all the precautions he can take to guard himself against the law, there is always some risk, though prosecutions of medical practitioners for criminal abortion are rare today.