Editor,
We in the section of reproductive health of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the UNM School of Medicine are writing to correct some of the misinformation presented by the Justice For All exhibit displayed on campus last week. This exhibit, already repugnant for the specious comparison between abortion and the Holocaust, its sensationalist graphics and intrusive display, is most reprehensible for its deliberately inaccurate medical information.
This misinformation, designed as a scare tactic, is the lowest form of debate on the issue of abortion. While we respect individuals' views about the ethics and morality of abortion, we have no respect for deliberate misrepresentations of science.
Risks of abortion put forth in the exhibit included an association between abortion and breast cancer, cervical cancer, suicide, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, future birth defects, future babies with low birth weights and pre- and post-term deliveries. These risks have been rejected by the scientific community after review of the science describing these associations. The studies that show these associations are predominantly cross-sectional in nature - a study design that does not allow a cause-and-effect relationship to be established.
For accurate information regarding the risks and benefits of abortion, readers may access the Guttmacher Institute at Agi-Usa.org, and the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation at Kff.org. For readers who require reproductive health services such as contraception, abortion, prenatal care, pregnancy options counseling or emergency contraception, you may access these services through our center for reproductive health by calling 925-4455.
Not surprisingly, benefits of safe and legal abortion were not mentioned in the Justice For All display. The scientific community recognizes the enormous public health impact of legal abortion in lowering the risk of maternal death and disease both in the U.S. and internationally. Access to safe and legal abortion saves the lives and health of mothers and their children around the world. Similarly lacking was any mention of the best approach to reducing abortion - making effective contraceptive methods accessible to women and promoting comprehensive sexuality education.
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In a world where women and men are educated and can control the size of their families, we will have truly taken an important step toward real justice for all.
Eve Espey, M.D.
Tony Ogburn, M.D.
Larry Leeman, M.D.
Stephanie Barnett
UNM faculty and staff
