An account is given of what is being done in the GDR in the context of social gynaecology, with reference being made to the subject proper as well as to its position in society and the tasks relating to it. Prepartal attention is described as an example. An appraisal of various concepts of social gynaecology has shown that these have always depended on the social conditions under which they have come into being. Their potentials and outcome are in conformity with those conditions, as well. Attempts have been made to define social gynaecology by the ways it is practised in certain "charitable" institutions or with closer reference to certain groups of people. However, such attempts have proved to be unacceptable to practitioners in the GDR where social gynaecology is considered a discipline of research and education to provide a profound scientific basis for action in reality. It is a social component of public health and an integral element of gynaecology and obstetrics.
Female Germany, East