ABSTRACT
Reproduction of the species is perhaps the most essential of all animal functions but human reproduction, like that of other animals, formerly depended largely on chance and it is only during the present century that ‘family planning’ has become a reality. For many couples, conception is still a matter of chance and, despite the availability of contraception, some pregnancies will be unwanted and may be terminated. In contrast, the inability to achieve a wanted pregnancy is a source of considerable distress to many other couples.
