Misinformation on abortion

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Misinformation
• Myths
• Abortion
• Mortality
• Breast cancer
• Mental health
• Fertility
• Fetal pain
• Abortion review

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This article is based on a presentation entitled ‘Myths’ made at the FIAPAC session of the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health Congress in The Hague on 20 May 2010.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this paper.