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The author reflects on a 1987 research case from Auckland, New Zealand in which conventional treatment of cancer had been withheld from women to study the natural history of their cancer. He suggests that the case and its outcomes sent shock waves through the medical profession in New Zealand and has been responsible for changes in the way that human experimentation is conducted. He argues that the case shows the naivety of the approach to human experimentation which was seen before the case.

Background: To assess the acceptability of routine screening for perinatal depression., Method: Postnatal women (n=860) and health professionals (n=916) were surveyed after 3 years of routine perinatal (antenatal and postnatal) use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)., Results: Over 90% of women had the screening explained to them and found the EPDS easy to complete; 85% had no difficulties completing it. Discomfort with screening was significantly related to having a higher EPDS score. A majority of health professionals using the EPDS was comfortable and found it useful., Limitations: The sample involved only maternity services supporting depression screening. In addition, the response rate from GPs was low., Conclusions: Routine screening with the EPDS is acceptable to most women and health professionals. Sensitive explanation, along with staff training and support, is essential in implementing depression screening.