ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the place of 'mental health' in the regulation of abortion in Britain. It first explains why law and policy on abortion was framed in Britain through reference to the effects of pregnancy on a woman's mind. The chapter also presents some argument why one might consider such law and policy problematic for women. Legislation or policy on abortion which makes reference to women's mental health does not therefore do so on 'objective' or asocial grounds. On the contrary, regulation of abortion on 'mental health' grounds is as much driven by ideology and politics as is its regulation on any other ground – for example, that of protecting foetal rights. The chapter focuses on two aspects of abortion law and policy, the 1967 Abortion Act and the 1974 Lane Report. The psychologizing of abortion has thus generated what appears to be a contradictory and complex situation.
