PIP: The problem of legalizing abortion in Italy and possible alternative measures that would limit the need to resort to abortion are discussed. Measures to reduce fetal abnormalities caused by diseases in pregnant women, a more supportive attitude on the part of families, society, and the state toward unmarried mothers, and especially proper education and the use of appropriate contraceptive methods, including free distribution of contraceptives if necessary, are regarded as the best means to reduce the incidence of abortion and to limit it to relatively exceptional, medically justified, cases. The ignorance of many physicians on the subject of contraceptives, which leads to unjustified fears, erroneous prescriptions, and subsequent failures or complications, is also emphasized. Available contraceptive methods, their efficacy, possible side effects, and contraindications, are reviewed and discussed, and amendments to the legislation in force are suggested for the purpose of limiting the number of unwanted pregnancies that prompt requests for abortion.