Evolution of a women's clinic: an alternate system of medical care.

Following the Vermont Supreme Court decision, in 1972, invalidating an old statute against abortion, the community watched for change in hospital and medical practice. When none occurred, representatives of health agencies were jointed by feminists and others dissatisfied with existing medical facilities to form the Vermont Women's Health Center. Tensions resulting from differing viewpoints were channeled into the common goal of providing optimal health care involving paramedical personnel as well as gynecologists and other physicians. In 1973, 1,255 abortions were performed. Complications were monitored by the clinic, by the state health department, and by the International Fertility Research Program and were found to compare favorably with rates in larger clinics. Abortion-related visits initially outnumbered others by 2:1 but rapidly fell, indicating acceptance of the clinic for a variety of gynecologic services. After three years, the clinic is solvent, stable, and utilized by a wide range of women, the result of cooperation between the establishment and its critics.