ABORTION COMPLICATIONS

Breast Cancer*
As the media and activist organizations of all sorts have expounded, breast cancer has risen dramatically in America by 50% since 1973 and is also increasing worldwide. Recent studies, though, have pointed out a dramatic relationship between the rate of abortion and the rising incidence of breast cancer. In fact, as the rate of abortion rises in America, so does the rate of breast cancer, with those women who have aborted having significantly higher rates.

Abortion interrupts natural changes in the breast, leaving millions of cells at high risk. Thus far, twenty-four studies have confirmed this relationship. Dr. George Bonney, Chairman of the Department of Biostatistics at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia reported recent surveys conducted by the center also present evidence which strongly suggests an association between abortion and breast cancer. Although it hasn't been completely confirmed, Bonney believes "it probably will be revealed in future studies."

Dr. Bonney, who taught genetics and biostatistics at University of North Carolina, L.S.U., and Howard University, is considered the individual most knowledgeable in the statistical study of breast cancer. He has discussed a Howard University study and studies in France also showing the same correlations as found in various American research. Dr. Bonney indicates that "the breast cancer abortion link demands further research and studies" as well as additional media and organizational attention.

Dr. Ian Schenk, former Chairman of the Committee on Medical Ethics at Fairfax (Virginia) Hospital and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Georgetown hinted abortionists should consider discussing the possible dangers of breast cancer with a mother considering abortion.

Physical Complications

• 24.3% experience complications in future pregnancies. Complications include: excessive bleeding, premature delivery, cervical damage, and sterility.
  (Acta/Obstetrics and Gynecology Scandinavia 1979; 58:491-4)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). A first-trimester abortion can result in bacterial vaginosis, leading to PID, a condition that must be treated quickly.
  (American Journal of Obs. and Gyn. 1992; 166:100-103)
• Uterine perforations. Uterine perforations can often occur and sometimes may go unrecognized and untreated.
  (Bernadell Technical Bulletin 1989; 1:1:1-2)
• Increased Risk of Breast Cancer. In addition to the aforementioned information. One source indicated a 140% increase risk following an abortion.
  (British Journal of Cancer 1981; 43-72-6)
• Tubal pregnancy. Abortion appears to contribute to an increase in ectopic pregnancy in younger women when associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. Statistic show a 30% increased risk of ectopic pregnancy after one abortion and a 160% increased risk after two or more abortions.
  (American Journal of Obs. and Gyn. 1989; 160:642-6)
  (American Journal of Public Health 1982; 72:253-6)
• Placenta previa - a condition producing extremely severe, life threatening bleeding in future pregnancies. Statistics show a 600% increased risk following abortion.
  (American Journal of Obs. and Gyn. 1981; 141:769-72)
• Increased bleeding in subsequent pregnancies.
  (American Journal of Obs. and Gyn. 1983; 146:136-140)
• Retention of placenta - increased in subsequent pregnancies.
  (Acta/Obstetrics and Gynecology Scandinavia 1979; 58:485-490)

More Physical Complications: High Risk Groups

Women Under 20

• 2 times greater risk of medical complications
  (Canadian Journal of Public Health 1982; 73:396-400)
• 150% greater risk of cervical injury
  (New England Journal of Medicine 1983; 309:621-24)

Women who have had a previous abortion

• 200% increased risk of miscarriage after two or more abortions
  (Journal of the American Medical Association 1980:243:2495-9)
• 160% increased risk of tubal pregnancy
  (American Journal of Public Health 1982; 72:253-6)
• Increased risk of abnormal positioning of the baby in future pregnancies after one or more abortion.
  (American Journal of Obs. and Gyn. 1983; 146:136-140)

Women with previous or existing PID

• Decrease in fertility following an abortion
  (Acta/Obstetrics and Gyn. Scandinavia 1979; 58:539-42)
• More days of post-abortion pain and cramping
  (Acta/Obstetrics and Gyn. Scandinavia 1982: 61:357-60)
• Increased risk of tubal pregnancy following an abortion
  (American Journal of Public Health 1982; 72:253-6)

Mental or Emotional Harm to Women
Dr. Anne Speckhard, in a 1985 University of Minnesota study, researched "long-term manifestations of abortion" (5-10 years), and found that 81% of mothers reported preoccupation with their aborted child, 54% had nightmares, 35% had perceived visitations with their child, and 96% felt their abortion had taken a human life.

Immediately after an abortion, many women report a feeling of relief ... which is what all abortionists want you to hear. What you won't hear of is the guilt and depression that frequently follows. A national poll found that at least 56% of women experience a sense of guilt over their decision, though the pollster himself acknowledged that many women will not even admit having had an abortion. [1] In fact, a five-year study shows that 25% of women who have had abortions sought out psychiatric care, versus just 3% of women who have not had abortions. [2] Further, numerous studies reveal that women who have had an abortion experience a high incidence of depression, stress, low self-esteem, suicidal feelings and substance abuse. [3]

*Sources: Somerville, Scott, Esq., _Before You Choose_, AIM Publications, 10/1/93.

Willke, J.C., M.D. _The Deadly After-Effect of Abortion: Breast Cancer_, Hayes Publishing, 1993.

A Forum on Abortion and Breast Cancer: sponsored by PLAGAL, May 21, 1994, Washington, D.C.

[1] George Skelton, "Many in Survey Who Had Abortion Cite Guilt Feelings," Los Angeles Times, March 19, 1989, p. 28.

[2] "Report on the Committee on the Operation of the Abortion Law," p. 321. Ottawa, 1977.

[3] Vincent M. Rue, "The Psychological Realities of Induced Abortion," Post-Abortion aftermath: A Comprehensive Consideration, Michael T. Mannion, Editor, Sheed & Ward, 1994, p. 543.