Although there are provisions for legal abortion in Hong Kong, abortion should not be accepted as a form of family planning. Studies show that one in four women in Hong Kong have experienced abortion, and this situation is far from ideal. The proper use of effective contraception needs to be further promoted. Wider definition and scope of family planning Family planning and responsible parenthood in their widest sense encompass not only contraception but also the bringing up of children, fostering their education, helping them to maximise their potential and mature into contributing members of the society. These concepts should also be developed as part of the wider picture of the family planning movement.
Women have cervical smears on their own volition and the service is somewhat fragmented.
With growing evidence of the effectiveness of such programs in lowering the incidence of cervical cancer in Western countries, it is high time that such a service be introduced in Hong Kong.