A US Congressman and former obstetrician has spoken out about New York’s unrestricted abortion law and its implications for mothers.
Last month the state introduced a ‘right’ to abortion into the third trimester, effectively legalising abortion up to birth, for any reason.
Dr Roger Marshall, who has delivered around 5,000 babies, said late-term abortions can result in potentially “life-threatening” consequences for mothers.
‘Distress’
New York’s Reproductive Health Act claims that it will help to protect the patient’s life or health.
But Dr Marshall said in his 30 years in obstetrics and gynaecology he “never saw the scenario where we had to choose between a mom’s life and a baby”.
He said that instead he saw first-hand the “complications” and “distress” of abortions.
New York’s law demonstrates a complete disregard for life and medical standards that should be strongly condemned by all physician organisations and all Americans.
‘Life-threatening’
Dr Marshall said: “In a late-term abortion, a mother is at higher risk for uterine perforation and incomplete separation of the placenta – and thus, life-threatening haemorrhaging that can occur potentially resulting in the death of many mothers.”
“Late-term abortions also have high risk of permanent scarring, and the possibility of an infection of the uterus and surrounding organs, which often leads to infertility.”
Studies have also shown that abortion is linked to increased risk of mental health problems.
‘Disregard for life’
The Congressman and doctor added that he couldn’t “think of a single scenario where I thought a late-term abortion would help to improve a woman’s mental health.”
“New York’s law demonstrates a complete disregard for life and medical standards that should be strongly condemned by all physician organisations and all Americans.”