Patients' rights and legislative strategies.

Legislation to ensure patients' rights plays a more and more important role, both nationally and internationally. Countries from the civil law family have the option to legislate patients' rights in their Civil Codes. It is suggested that this choice will ensure more 'doctors' compliance' than would be the case had administrative law been chosen as a vehicle.

[Modern techniques for terminating pregnancy]. / Techniques moderne d'interruption de la grossesse.

PIP: This panel presentation consists of detailed technical descriptions of Karman aspiration and of hypertonic saline injection, a list of legal indications for abortion in France, a brief summary of how abortions are conducted in England, and a question and answer period, all following an introduction published in this journal (ibid. 1(1): 21-22, 1973.). The Karman aspiration is done only until 8 weeks of amenorrhea, with premedication only, using a polyethylene cannula and either a 50 cc syringe, a hand pump or a mechanical pump (.5-1 atmosphere vacuum). Pro fuse details of technique, treatment and complications are given, since the procedure is new to French physicians, and is currently done "semi-clandestinely." Most of the text on midtrimester abortions concerns indications and dilatation of the cervix; the hypertonic saline technique was shown in a film. The accepted indications at the Port Royal Maternity are: chromosomal or metabolic genetic defects demonstruated by amniocentesis and culture, probably severe congenital d efect indicated by elevated alpha-feto-protein, infection by German measles shown by presence of IgM in maternal serum. Every precaution is taken in such cases to guarantee the possibility of a healthy living infant in the future. Second trimester abortions in King's College Hospital, London, are usually by intraamniotic prostaglandins and iv oxytocin, and an IUD is inserted immediately. The questions concerned mainly where abortions can be performed, where techniques can be learned , and early abortion clinics in Holland.^ieng