Estimates of the rate of illegal abortion and the effects of eliminating therapeutic abortion, Alberta 1973-74*

In the current controversy surrounding abortion, rates of illegal abortion, being difficult to ascertain, seldom inform the debate. We utilize a relatively new survey tool, the randomized response technique (RRT), to estimate rates of illegal abortion in Edmonton, Alberta. A comparison of results obtained by means of the RRT with those obtained by more traditional means reveals that the RRT has the capacity to elicit responses to sensitive questions not possible using other techniques. RM: "Reproduced with permission of the Canadian Public Health Association.