PIP: The Italian abortion law was passed in May 1978. Between June 1978 and April 1980, 1121 legal abortions were done at the general hospital "E. Agnelli" in Pinerolo, Italy. During the same period of time there were 1980 deliveries and 5350 hosptalizations for obstetric-gynecological reasons; legal abortions represented 29% of all types of hospitalizations. In certain month 60-69 abortions were done, while about 35 had been expected as the regular monthly load. Most procedures were done by curettage; there were 3 cases of uterine perforation and 1 case of hemorrhage. The majority of abortions were done between the 9th and the 12th week of pregnancy; age of patients was between 14 and 47, with the majority in the age group 26-35. 402 patients were at their 3rd pregnancy, and 351 declared to have had previous experience of spontaneous or induced abortion. Most requests for abortion were for social or economic reasons, followed by high parity, age and parity, and poor maternal health; only 28 requests were for fear of fetal abnormalities. Patients were kept only for 1 night and most were housewives. Because of the lack of personnel, lack of time and unsuitable hospital structures, it was impossible to give each patient adequate counseling on fertility control methods.