For years now the strategy of anti-abortion supporters has been to introduce at the state level restrictions which have increasingly intruded on the doctor-patient relationship. These restrictions have required that words be put in the doctors' mouths and the patients be told information that is scientifically wrong, such as the erroneous claims that abortions cause breast cancer and depression. They have taken away from the doctor and the patient the decision of whether to do an ultrasound and what kind. They are requiring that a doctor be physically present when the patient ingests an abortion pill, though it doesn't work immediately and in fact may not require further care than a follow-up visit. They look to take from state medical boards the determination of which doctors need which privileges and usurp the safety evaluation of medical venues. We have heard that doctors' groups oppose these measures, but it seems they have been in the background, silent. Now finally we hear of an important open letter to Texas legislators that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) put in the Austin American Statesman today..
http://images.magnetmail.net/...
Although there are certainly anti-abortion physician members of ACOG, and the organization respects that, ACOG has nevertheless drawn the line at legislation that intrudes on the practice of medicine and the doctor-patient relationship. Their points:
"•Legislative Interference: We must stand AGAINST legislative interference in the practice of medicine and the patient-physician relationship.
•Facts Are Important: We must stand FOR scientific integrity, providing legislators and the public with the latest scientific information on which to base their decisions. This is especially true when others are misrepresenting inaccurate information as “facts.”
•A Woman’s Right to Make Her Own Medical Decisions: We must stand FOR the rights of all women to make their own health care decisions in consultation with their physician and to have access to quality care without interference from politicians or other interests"
Here at last is the voice of reason being expressed, at least in the local Texas news media. If the reporters don't interview or talk shows hosts don't invite Jean A. Conry, MD, PhD, President of ACOG or Hal C Lawrence III, MD ACOG Executive Vice-President of ACOG on their shows, well, I would consider that media malpractice.