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Compared to the claims of "pro-choice" advocates, research on abortion paints a new picture of the debate: Does abortion empower women or exploit them?

Myth: Abortion is safer than childbirth.

Fact: A Finland study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in 2004 found that the maternal death rate associated with abortion is 2.95 times higher than that associated with childbirth. Women who went through childbirth had the lowest mortality rate, lower even than non-pregnant women.

Fact: The Canadian Journal of Psychology published a study this year showing that women who had abortions also had increased risk for suicidal thoughts, mood disorders, social anxiety disorders, alcohol abuse and substance use disorder.

Fact: More than 100 studies have confirmed that abortion substantially increases a woman's risk of subsequent pre-term birth. A Canadian research team examined data from 37 studies and found that having one abortion increased the risk of subsequent preterm birth by 35 percent. More than one abortion increased the risk by 93 percent.

Fact: The Centers for Disease Control recently revealed that two more American women have died from the RU486 abortion drug, bringing the total to eight. The European maker of this drug confirms there are dozens more deaths that have gone unreported.

Myth: Abortion cuts down on child abuse.

Fact: Child abuse cases skyrocketed in the years after abortion was legalized. Women who are suffering the aftereffects of an abortion may struggle to nurture other children.

Myth: Abortion is a woman's choice.

Fact: Sixty-four percent of abortion-seeking women admit to feeling coerced or even forced into the decision, either by others or by their circumstances. Fathers, family and friends who do not want to be burdened by an unplanned pregnancy will pressure a woman to abort. The "choice" may be a place to stay, a broken relationship or lack of tuition. Many women choose abortion to please others.

Myth: Abortion should be available for rape victims.

Fact: In their book, "Victims and Victors," researchers David C. Reardon, Julie Makimaa and Amy Sobie report that, of the raped women who had an abortion and offered an opinion, 28 out of 30 would not recommend it to other rape victims. After an abortion, women report feelings of guilt, depression, resentment of men, and lowered self-esteem. Abortion adds to their trauma. Coercion also played a large role in their decision to abort.

Abortion not only kills a child, it threatens the mother and her subsequent children. When women learn the truth about abortion, they will reject it. Abortion hurts women and it is not the loving answer to an unplanned pregnancy.

(Joann Buff is a homeschooling mother, vigil coordinator for the Schenectady "40 Days for Life" campaign and a parishioner at St. Joseph's/St. Michael's/Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Amsterdam.)

(10/21/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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