ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses based on the assumption that family planning by means of contraception is morally, medically and legally acceptable in modern society. It demonstrates that the use of contraceptives may raise many medico-legal issues – in particular, those related to medical negligence and to pharmaceutical liability and its nature. The diaphragm is probably the contraceptive of choice for the older woman and certainly for those women in whom hormonal contraception is contraindicated. Leaving aside the general proposition that pregnancy carries far more risks than does contraception, the choice of 'pill' is probably best considered from the viewpoint of risk factors. The decision to institute a contraceptive regime for a mentally handicapped woman is, therefore, one which the courts are, in general, content to leave to good medical practice. The classic displanting method of contraception is euphemistically termed 'menstrual extraction' or 'menstrual regulation'.
