Misinformation on abortion

Authors: Rowlands, S.

Journal: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Pages: 233-240

eISSN: 1473-0782

ISSN: 1362-5187

DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2011.570883

Abstract:

Objective To find the latest and most accurate information on aspects of induced abortion. Methods A literature survey was carried out in which five aspects of abortion were scrutinised: risk to life, risk of breast cancer, risk to mental health, risk to future fertility, and fetal pain. Findings Abortion is clearly safer than childbirth. There is no evidence of an association between abortion and breast cancer. Women who have abortions are not at increased risk of mental health problems over and above women who deliver an unwanted pregnancy. There is no negative effect of abortion on a woman's subsequent fertility. It is not possible for a fetus to perceive pain before 24 weeks' gestation. Misinformation on abortion is widespread. Literature and websites are cited to demonstrate how data have been manipulated and misquoted or just ignored. Citation of non-peer reviewed articles is also common. Mandates insisting on provision of inaccurate information in some US State laws are presented. Attention is drawn to how women can be misled by Crisis Pregnancy Centres. Conclusion There is extensive promulgation of misinformation on abortion by those who oppose abortion. Much of this misinformation is based on distorted interpretation of the scientific literature. © 2011 The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.

Source: Scopus

Misinformation on abortion.

Authors: Rowlands, S.

Journal: Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Pages: 233-240

eISSN: 1473-0782

DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2011.570883

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To find the latest and most accurate information on aspects of induced abortion. METHODS: A literature survey was carried out in which five aspects of abortion were scrutinised: risk to life, risk of breast cancer, risk to mental health, risk to future fertility, and fetal pain. FINDINGS: Abortion is clearly safer than childbirth. There is no evidence of an association between abortion and breast cancer. Women who have abortions are not at increased risk of mental health problems over and above women who deliver an unwanted pregnancy. There is no negative effect of abortion on a woman's subsequent fertility. It is not possible for a fetus to perceive pain before 24 weeks' gestation. Misinformation on abortion is widespread. Literature and websites are cited to demonstrate how data have been manipulated and misquoted or just ignored. Citation of non-peer reviewed articles is also common. Mandates insisting on provision of inaccurate information in some US State laws are presented. Attention is drawn to how women can be misled by Crisis Pregnancy Centres. CONCLUSION: There is extensive promulgation of misinformation on abortion by those who oppose abortion. Much of this misinformation is based on distorted interpretation of the scientific literature.

Source: PubMed

Preferred by: Sam Rowlands

Misinformation on abortion

Authors: Rowlands, S.

Journal: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CONTRACEPTION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Pages: 233-240

ISSN: 1362-5187

DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2011.570883

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Misinformation on abortion.

Authors: Rowlands, S.

Journal: The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception

Volume: 16

Issue: 4

Pages: 233-240

eISSN: 1473-0782

ISSN: 1362-5187

DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2011.570883

Abstract:

Objective

To find the latest and most accurate information on aspects of induced abortion.

Methods

A literature survey was carried out in which five aspects of abortion were scrutinised: risk to life, risk of breast cancer, risk to mental health, risk to future fertility, and fetal pain.

Findings

Abortion is clearly safer than childbirth. There is no evidence of an association between abortion and breast cancer. Women who have abortions are not at increased risk of mental health problems over and above women who deliver an unwanted pregnancy. There is no negative effect of abortion on a woman's subsequent fertility. It is not possible for a fetus to perceive pain before 24 weeks' gestation. Misinformation on abortion is widespread. Literature and websites are cited to demonstrate how data have been manipulated and misquoted or just ignored. Citation of non-peer reviewed articles is also common. Mandates insisting on provision of inaccurate information in some US State laws are presented. Attention is drawn to how women can be misled by Crisis Pregnancy Centres.

Conclusion

There is extensive promulgation of misinformation on abortion by those who oppose abortion. Much of this misinformation is based on distorted interpretation of the scientific literature.

Source: Europe PubMed Central