MCCL Guests Discuss Statistics About Medical Abortions and Fetal Development
By: Mary Balstad marybalstad@rjbroadcasting.com
Fosston, MN – The monthly Minnesota Citizen’s Concerned for Life (MCCL) update was given by three guests from the group on Monday, November 15th. Betty Syverson, Earl Roed and Rick Ford spoke about the MCCL’s stance on abortion practices and provided statistics from research. Covering such a sensitive and personal subject, the three presented talking points about funding for medical centers such as Planned Parenthood, the trend of abortion rates in Minnesota and a narrative on pregnancy care offered in the area at Northwoods Pregnancy Center in Bemidi, MN. Ford spoke on the abortion rates as reported by the Minnesota Department of Health.
The Mayo Clinic has information about medical abortions and the different types of abortions offered. Under doctor supervision, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved practice of taking the oral medication Mifepristone (mif-us-PRIS-tone) and Misoprostol (my-so-PRO-stol) is cited as being the most common way of performing a safe abortion. However, before continuing with the procedure, the patient must undergo state-directed counselling that is designed to discourage seeking an abortion. The Guttmacher Institute reports on abortion trends in Minnesota, finding that within the state around 97% of counties do not have clinics that provide this medical service. Roed states that MCCL believes centers that provide these often free health care services are “taking advantage” of tax payer dollars through the federal funding.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the federal mandate that allows public funding for centers that offer abortions only allows for the practice to be covered in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is at risk by a physical disorder, illness or injury. Personal narratives through sources such as NRP from third trimester abortions, which are around 1% nationally, have been recorded to occur if the fetus’ health is at high risk. However, due to the Hyde Amendment that the guests from MCCL spoke about during the program, low-income families are excluded from receiving comprehensive health care services through assisting programs like Medicaid. These same dollars that go toward programs that assist financially with abortions also go toward family planning, prenatal care and services relating to childbirth. Syverson speaks about the non-profit Northwoods Pregnancy Center in Bemidji, MN, a place that provides information to expecting parents.
While the subject of abortion is a controversial one, it is also a personal one. Questions should be discussed with one’s doctor for accurate information in the proper context.