Is abortion linked to health problems?
Is abortion dangerous to your health? An article in the November issue of Glamour discusses evidence about how abortion can be linked to such problems as breast cancer and pregnancy.
Although abortion is deemed statistically safe, pro-life activists are flooding lawmakers and women with their own information. Studies linking abortion to breast cancer have been relatively inconclusive so far. Because little is known about the causes of breast cancer, the Bethesda, MD-based National Cancer Institute, the Atlanta-based American Cancer Society, and other organizations say there is not enough evidence to link abortion directly to breast cancer. Experts agreed abortion can be a stressful event but don’t have enough scientific evidence to prove it causes permanent psychological damage. Experts have found no evidence that an abortion can lead to women having fertility problems in their future. Doctors performing abortions are heavily scrutinized and, according to the article, are performing one of the "safest procedures in medicine." The article points out that despite the lack of scientific evidence, state legislatures are taking a stand on abortion health issues. A few have passed laws requiring that women be told of the possible psychological problems, breast cancer, and fertility risks. Some states require that biased information be passed along to women having an abortion. Several states have laws pending concerning abortion and its effects.
Women’s intake of calcium is dangerously low, according to the November issue of Glamour. The Washington, DC-based National Academy of Sciences issued new nutrition recommendations in August, with calcium intakes higher than previously issued. If women don’t receive adequate calcium, they can develop fragile-bone disease, osteoporosis. One in two women will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in later life, according to the article. But, the article says women can take action and offers several guidelines for them to follow. The article recommends foods such as beans, yogurt, and broccoli, and suggests supplements if women can’t get enough calcium from foods, milk, and calcium-fortified orange juice.
More people are using mind therapies to help heal their bodies. An article in the November Good Housekeeping cites several women who have practiced meditation, yoga, or religion to help with their physical ailments. Researchers have found that mind-body techniques can lower heart rate and improve sleep, a phenomenon known as the placebo effect; they are conducting more studies. Many doctors are taking note of mind-body techniques, and some use them along with medicines. Mehmet Oz, MD, who practices with Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City, allows energy healers into the operating room and teaches yoga and self-hypnosis at the center he and a colleague founded, Columbia Complementary Care Center. Oz is experimenting with other forms of mind healing. Some patients at the center have required less medicine than normal after having surgery.
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