Tory Shepherd ('Abortion is an entirely legal right', The Advertiser, Sunday Mail, November 3, 2009) has demonstrated a lack of knowledge and research in the article (poorly) aimed at promoting the availability of abortion.
She makes the gross understatement that "ABORTION is not a good thing". In fact, abortion is a terrible, destructive, heart wrenching thing that leaves a fatality (baby), and often a grieving mother and sometimes family.
A health nurse from a NSW country town (who wishes to stay anonymous) stated that "With barely an exception, just about every woman or girl who has had an abortion, comes out from anaesthetic sobbing".
This scenario does not come close to the description of abortion being "an entirely legal right that, on balance increases the sum of happiness in the world by allowing choice" made by Ms. Shepherd.
She strongly argues for the concept of "choice" for women, then in the very next sentence shoots down the option of adoption stating that "it is not the role of women to produce babies for other people." Shows such as 'Find my Family' have shown us the benefits of adoption, where parents and their offspring have the opportunity to reconnect when situations change and improve - so much better than the abortion of a baby.
Ms Shepherd also states that "Women - and girls - come to abortion usually as a last resort." However she seems to be unaware that abortion is often the 'choice' of a significant other, such as a boyfriend or parent -many women and girls feel they have insufficient information or options presented to them to make an informed decision. In 1992, feminist Germaine Greer described abortion as "the last in a long line of non-choices."
In one sense (but not intended) Ms Shepherd's statement that "More often it (abortion) has psychological implications because it takes place in a judgmental society" is true. Sadly our society has adopted negative stereotypes that label women as being "too old", "too young", "have too many children already", "wrong partner" etc. These judgements are unhelpful, adding pressure for women/girls in difficult situations, facing unplanned pregnancies.
At no time has Ms. Shepherd even mentioned the need for greater emotional and practical support for women.
Bizarrely, Ms Shepherd compares the loss of a baby with "treading on ants"!! Any mother, father and family who has experienced the grief of a miscarriage does mourn a tragic death, as do their supportive friends. Is it so surprising that post abortive women also describe feelings of grief and depression? It is "the end of a possibility of a life".
Ms. Shepherd goes on to say that "Most abortions happen because of poor timing" - women are strong, capable and often underestimate their ability to thrive despite difficult circumstances. Unexpected timing (negative stereotyping would call it "poor timing" ) does not have to end in the tragedy of abortion. Many, many women describe the joy of having children that were "unplanned". The abortion industry worldwide has thrived on women (and men) underestimating their parenting abilities.
Unhelpful, negative stereotyping continues in the article... "Abortions are not the exclusive domain of reckless teenagers" and "Mistakes happen at any age". Women of all ages deserve support and better options than abortion.
Statements such as "A significant number also happen because the pregnancy is a result of violence, or mental health problems" and "Some women - particularly young women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds - just do not know enough about contraception" are also degrading to women, showing harsh judgement and a lack of compassion.
Feminists for Life conducted research showing that in many cases of rape, women felt abortion was like a "second rape" and was often more traumatic than the original rape. Women in these challenging circumstances deserve better.
From there, Ms Shepherd begins speculating ...."They may live in a country town where it's embarrassing to buy condoms. They may not feel confident talking to parents or doctors about contraception." and "They may not be getting the information they need at school". School programs such as 'Choices, Decisions, Outcomes' and 'Choices of Life' encourage wholesome values and principles (based on self respect), but are not as supported by various Australian Education Departments, who seem to prefer programs run by groups such as Family Planning, Marie Stopes and Children by Choice, all of whom are profitable abortion providers. Perhaps that is why it is "the very same people who squeal about comprehensive sex education in schools who are outraged by terminations".
The article seems to change tone from arguing for abortion and making harsh judgements, to stating that "our international students are having far too many abortions" and "This cannot be a pleasant experience for them. We need to work out how to bring that rate down" . ..."What rabid hypocrisy" ??
Ms Shepherd speculates again, stating that "many of whom are from countries where sex education is practically non-existent, that (abortion) rate could start to rise again".
"The rates of abortion have been decreasing in South Australia for the past decade. It's unlikely that people are having less sex. Chances are there are fewer abortions because there is better education" or could it be because abortions are not accurately recorded? The lack of transparency of Health Departments regarding abortion statistics makes it hard to draw any conclusions. We do know that the (surgical) abortion rate of Australia is equivalent to aborting the population of Adelaide in 10 years!
Ms. Shepherd's 'CONCEPTIONS AND MIS- CONCEPTIONS' .
Q: Does abortion cause future fertility problems?
A: Very rarely. Most women immediately return to their pre-pregnancy fertility level.
The Truth about abortion is here.
A comprehensive evaluation of over 160 recently published research papers on aspects of abortion relating to women’s health and wellbeing revealed a long list of abortion-related physical and psychological risks.
Physical risks:
• There appear to be more deaths from all causes, including suicide and homicide, after abortion, compared with childbirth.
• Abortion is associated with a variety of significant physical risks, including premature delivery, infection (which may lead to infertility, particularly in the presence of genital infection), uterine perforation, placenta previa, and possibly miscarriage and low birth weight in future pregnancies.
Q: Does abortion cause emotional harm?
A: In some women, but most women have no long-lasting psychological consequences. Most women experience either benign or positive emotional consequences.
Truth: Psychological harm:
Abortion results in short-term relief for most women, usually accompanied by negative emotions. Such relief tends to be transient.
• Ten to twenty percent of women suffer from severe negative psychological complications after abortion.
• Many more women experience emotional distress shortly after an abortion including sadness, loneliness, shame, guilt, grief, doubt and regret.
• Depression and anxiety are experienced by substantial numbers of women after abortion.
• Abortion triggers Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a small proportion of women.
• After abortion women have an increased risk of psychiatric problems.
• Women who have experienced abortion have an increased risk of substance abuse and self-harm particularly during a subsequent pregnancy.
• Abortion for foetal disability is particularly traumatic and can be psychologically damaging for women.
• Chemical abortion may have additional impacts on women’s psychological wellbeing.
The report also identified factors that put women at increased risk of psychological harm from abortion: for example, a lack of emotional and social support, ambivalence and difficulty making the decision to abort, relationship violence, and a history of psychiatric illness. This report can be purchased through Women’s Forum Australia.
Further information about the after affects of abortion can be found here.
Q: Does abortion cause breast cancer?
A: No. Some groups have tried to promote a link, but there is no evidence for this and the claim can cause unnecessary distress.
Truth:
MaterCare International state that:
"Women have a basic right to know of this increased risk of breast cancer and it is unacceptable that the information should be denied to them by the medical and cancer research establishments. MaterCare International as an organisation of women's health specialists recognies its responsibilities in this matter and will do all it can to publish this evidence."
Medical Groups Recognizing Link
A list of medical organizations recognizing a link between abortion and breast cancer.
Q: Is adoption better than abortion?
A: It is a matter of choice, but is not the role of women to produce babies for other people.
Truth:
"Adoption arrangements are made focusing on the child’s best interests. This means that a priority is given to the family that best suits the child" (Gov. of S.A. information about adoption here).
Adoption is a far better option for the baby, to avoid risks to the mother (as previously discussed) and for the adoptive family. There are many more couples and families wanting to adopt than babies available for adoption.
Ms Shepherd's ArticleSource: The State Government's Pregnancy Advisory Centre.
Ms Shepherd has presented the misinformation, inconsistencies, judgements and negative stereotyping that have become the trademarks of the pro abortion lobby, used to undermined the abilities and confidence of women and parents. Women, their babies and families deserve better than abortion, they require and deserve positive support, information and genuine options.
Life Network Australia Inc.
www.lifenetwork.org.au
