To the publisher:
Re “Why does the right force women who abort to suffer?”, by Michelle Goldberg (column, July 19):
They don’t tell you this in medical school, but being an OB/GYN doctor is getting to know heart pain up close and personal, over and over again. I have been a practicing physician in Portland, Oregon for the past 37 years. My colleagues span the political spectrum, but almost everyone I’ve met has put the interest of the mother’s life before that of the embryo or fetus. And if for reasons of conscience they could not, they would look for another supplier who could.
With Dobbs’ decision, my specialty has fallen apart. Miscarriage is one of the most common conditions we treat, as it occurs in about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies.
These new laws in anti-choice states simply prohibit termination of pregnancy, some immediately after fertilization. They have no subtlety, they have no algorithms to guide practice.
Suppliers are now in an extremely precarious situation and are at risk of prosecution. When the only exception for the termination of pregnancy is the risk of death of the mother, how close does it have to be for them to act? Most pregnant women are young and healthy, coping well with blood loss and infection, until suddenly they don’t, by which time it may be too late to save them.
America will now see what happens when politicians exploit women’s care for political gain. it’s brutal. Anyone who thought it would take a long time to see the consequences of banning a common medical procedure will soon see the tears, blood and death we told them was coming. It is inevitable, and it will continue.
Margaret P. Cohen
Portland, Ore.
The writer is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
To the publisher:
Re “Risks to patients as doctors address exceptions to abortion(press article, July 21):
As a Missouri resident living under a new abortion ban, I am outraged and disgusted. Advocates have warned of the dangers of bans for years, without being listened to. Even now, as doctors describe how pregnant women will die from poor care as a result of this ban, our leaders shrug.
Days after Missouri enacted a ban on abortion, except in “medical emergencies,” I called the attorney general’s office for clarification. I shared that I had experienced two life-threatening conditions in my last pregnancy and that I was concerned that my obstetrician might be limited if a similar complication arose today.
The staff attorney told me that he could not offer guidance as giving legal advice could jeopardize his law license. I replied that this prohibition could endanger my life. Your answer? That could leave the state.
Unfortunately, I am concerned that many Missouri families like mine will accept your suggestion. I am concerned that our women’s health providers may choose to practice elsewhere. I am concerned that Missouri’s elected officials are short-sighted enough to celebrate these losses. The state deserves better.
Katy Nimmons
Saint Louis
To the publisher:
Re “I’m terrified for my patients”, by David N. Hackney (guest opinion essay, July 10):
Dr. Hackney describes the pain experienced by a pregnant woman who learns that her child has a lethal condition but has no choice but to carry her to term. While true, the potential pain of knowing her fetus has a serious abnormality goes far beyond this.
A variety of genetic syndromes and serious, life-altering birth defects can be diagnosed prenatally, and many of these conditions are No fatal, or non-fatal immediately, but severe enough that the affected child faces severe lifelong disability and, in many cases, pain.
To be told in the midst of a long-awaited pregnancy that your child will have severe neurological or physical disabilities, will never walk, talk, or even roll over on her own, and yet will survive, is just as devastating as being told her child will die at birth, but with very different consequences.
Despite Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s assertion, these children are unlikely to be adopted. It is unethical to diagnose a medical condition and not provide the patient with reasonable and safe treatment options, but the laws of many states now make it impossible to do the ethical thing. More pain for everyone.
Katharine Wenstrom
Providence, Rhode Island
The writer is a professor at Brown University’s Alpert School of Medicine and past president of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.
To the publisher:
Dr. David Hackney joins so many doctors who are highlighting the serious risks to life and health now facing pregnant women. President Biden and Congress cannot restore comprehensive abortion rights in any way that will survive future elections.
Therefore, Democrats in Congress should immediately legislate a strong national abortion right if continuation of the pregnancy would endanger the life, physical or mental health of the mother, or if the fetus did not survive.
In addition, there must be reasonable protection for medical providers who perform these medically necessary procedures. Otherwise, the doctor’s hesitation can cost women’s lives.
I hope there is bipartisan support for this.
Without these protections, increases in physicians’ liability insurance could make OB care too expensive and underfund all medical care, which is already scarce.
Maria Jo Naples
Columbus, Ohio
To the publisher:
Re “The abortion ban will affect both rich and poor Americans(Invited opinion essay, July 7):
Elizabeth Spires describes the impact of abortion restrictions as “a crisis for all American women,” with delays in therapeutic abortions having deadly consequences. As an emergency physician who routinely sees women with pregnancy-related complications, I echo Ms. Spiers’ concerns.
I frequently treat obstetric emergencies. In recent weeks, I have seen pregnant women with the following complications: ectopic pregnancy, undetectable fetal heartbeat with decreased levels of pregnancy hormones, and heavy vaginal bleeding with an open cervix.
My patients were not asked about their political affiliation or religious beliefs. She didn’t need to know if her pregnancies were planned or wanted. My focus was on the timely care of three vulnerable patients, in pain and bleeding, who looked to our medical team for compassionate treatment and emotional support. All three patients had therapeutic abortions.
As abortion bans proliferate across the country, I feel fortunate to practice in New York City’s public hospital system, where sound medical decision-making combined with a woman’s choice is supported by law. However, there is no time for complacency. The lives and well-being of millions of women will depend on it.
Bonny J. Baron
brooklyn