This discussion of contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth covers the following: accepting and discharging patients; legal duty of care; contract law; consent; records; time limit; criminal law; sanctions; children under 16; contraception; failed sterilization, vasectomy, and abortion; abortions; pregnancy; delivery; postnatal care; birth at home; and unqualified persons. The relationship of the doctor to the private patient is governed by the law of contract and in a particular case may impose a greater duty on the doctor than that imposed by tort. The doctor must obtain the consent of the patient and must adhere to the proper standards of competent professional practice, either the generally accepted practice or, if there are 2 or more alternative procedures, one which can be professional supported. Where sterilization (tubal occlusion) is proposed, advice and counseling should be offered. On the birth of a child, drugs may not be administered without the mother's consent. The records of the National Health Service patient appear to belong to the Secretary of State for Social Services and the records of the private patient to the patient. The patient may sue within 3 years from the date of the alleged negligence or the discovery of the negligence. The doctor is most unlikely to be prosecuted for a criminal offense but failure to attend the patient, or gross carelessness, could possibly lead to a manslaughter charge. The Family Practitioner Committee may give a warning, a reprimand, and may stop the payment of fees. The doctor may give contraceptive advice and treatment to an adolescent female under age 16, but the doctor must first conform to 5 guidelines, known as the Fraser Guidelines. These guidelines are listed. The doctor must be aware of the possible risks and side effects of the various contraceptive methods and must evaluate each method and each patient accordingly. A doctor may be liable under the law of contract for a failed sterilization, vasectomy, or abortion. There is no abortion on demand or at the discretion of a dctor. An increasing number of claims are being brought against doctors. The patient who has suffered the consequences of negligence, as opposed to bad luck, ought to be compensated, and the doctor who was not guilty of negligence, but was unlucky, ought to be vindicated.