Abstract

PIP: Abortion remains illegal in Belgium. A 1923 law stipulates a penalty of 2-5 years imprisonment. Despite the law, the Roman Catholic church, and other conservative forces, some hospitals and nonhospital centers, set up by the women's and family planning movements, perform abortions. For 6 years, all centers have offered practical help to many women. They have combated abortion's clandestine nature, and placed it alongside other medical procedures. By their collective structures, guilt-free reception, and relaxed atmosphere, they seek to break the solitude of women in difficulty, and to encourage contact between them. 20 people from nonhospital centers have been charged with law breaking, but no date has been fixed for trial. GACEHPA now has 13 centers. GACEPHA originated with the Brussels Contraception Collective begun in March, 1976, to openly defy the law. In the centers, work and administration are shared collectively. Health personnel work there for a token salary. Abortions are performed by trained physicians. Psychological support is available to the women who want it. The cost of abortion is the minimum necessary to cover running costs. Follow-up is always done 3 weeks after the abortion. Contraception is emphasized.