factors to be taken into account in assessing risks to the pregnant women, risks which must be determined with all the appropriate medical guarantees. That being said, the decision was always taken by doctors. Hence the Department of Health had figures only for abortions carried out under conditions established by the Abortion Act and not for cases in which doctors had refused abortion. 31. The NHS paid for the abortion if it was performed in an NHS hospital or if the NHS authorized a private hospital to perform it. The woman paid if she chose to have the termination performed privately, but she could obtain a grant or a loan. Approximately 55 per cent of all independent sector abortions were performed by three charities. The social security system did not pay for abortions. Girls under the age of 16 could have an abortion without parental knowledge if, in the judgement of the doctor concerned, it was in the patient's best medical interest, and if they had sufficient maturity to appreciate what was involved. Pregnancies in very young girls could be the result of rape because they had not reached the age of consent, but in some cases they were due to early sexual activity. 32. In the tables on abortions in the initial report, the term "agency" referred to establishments entrusted by the NHS to perform abortions. The terms "residents" and "non-residents" meant persons who usually lived in the country where the abortion was performed and those who did not. 33. The Abortion Act of 1967 had put an end to deaths from illegal abortions. 34. On the issue of contraception, family planning services continued to be available nationally free of charge under the NHS; voluntary agencies complemented 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the medical and legal aspects of abortion in the UK, including the factors to be considered when assessing risks to pregnant women, the process of obtaining an abortion, and the financial arrangements for abortion services. The text also touches on the issue of contraception and family planning services. Given the focus on medical and legal issues, it is likely that the text falls under the categories related to health and human services.

**Category**
Health