Nancy Loudon

Nancy Beaton Loudon (née Mann; 28 February 1926 – 20 February 2009) was a Scottish gynaecologist. She devoted her professional life to pioneering, and ensuring provision of family planning and well woman services. She was a fore-runner in the specialty of 'community gynaecology'.

Early life and education Nancy Mann was born at Killen on 28 February 1926, the eldest daughter of Helen and Alec J. Mann. Her father was a prominent farmer on the Black Isle, and a county councillor. Loudon showed her academic potential early by becoming Dux of Fortrose Academy in her final year of school. She began her medical studies at the Medical School of the University of Edinburgh in 1944, during war-time, graduating in 1949. She was one of only a small number of students each year who obtained their medical degree 'with honours'. which has continued as a popular text for doctors working in the field - the fifth edition, edited by University of Edinburgh colleagues including Professor Anna Glasier, was published shortly before she died.

She was chairperson of the UK National Association of Family Planning Doctors, and held many other national medical roles. She was not afraid to challenge the establishment when the needs of women were threatened. In her time, the medical specialty of Family Planning has become firmly established in the UK, now known as the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare.

Loudon retired in 1988.

Awards and honours Following retirement, she was awarded the William Y Darling Bequest by Edinburgh District Council for Good Citizenship, by a unanimous committee vote. Subsequently, she was elected a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and her contribution to medicine was marked with an OBE in 1992.

Personal life Loudon was supported throughout her professional life by her husband, John Loudon, retired consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist. She had two sons and by 2009 had six grandchildren. She died 20 February 2009.

Selected works Loudon, Nancy; Newton Richard John (1985). Handbook of Family Planning. Churchill Livingstone.