Thread by @GodlessNZ

(1) A few observations on @KarenMonahan01 apparently disclosing her own medical records.

I support her 100% in speaking up about Keith Ellison's conduct toward her, and seeking a full & proper investigation, asap.

I don't agree with the way she is treating this info:

(2) Note that her tweet has been "liked" 4.4k times so far.

I'm not RTing any info that hasn't already been seen by thousands more than that, and likely saved by many.

The unintended victims are the MD & the public. Here's why.

(3) Even if the MD that is identified in the document is fine about it, there is a broader public interest in maintaining medical confidentiality. It's not like Monahan didn't have other ways to release the substantive info. She could have redacted parts of it.

(4) Firstly, I want Monahan's allegations to be taken seriously & investigated by the proper authorities. Her releasing this info does not help her credibility. Unfortunately, it helps Ellison & the Democrats who shelter him to paint her as lacking in credibility or sense.

(5) Secondly, evidence about what a complainant told his or her doctor doesn't mean evidence of abuse. A doctor must record whatever information from the visit is clinically relevant. Psycho-social issues like alleged domestic abuse are always highly clinically relevant.

(6) Doctors must record certain information whether they believe it is true or not. Indeed, indicating an opinion on its veracity is often inadvisable. IMO this MD wrote a very good summary of the visit. This is an exceptionally thorough MD. Good for her, I mean that.

(7) Why do I believe disclosing this info is not in the public interest? bc it may weaken public confidence in MDs (but not by much.) It may lead to the abuse allegations NOT being properly investigated/prosecuted.

High profile cases that go nowhere are bad for other survivors.

(8) I believe Monahan is a survivor of domestic abuse by Ellison. I very much want to see a good outcome, for the sake of her & her family, & other survivors.

I know Dr Phil is just out to make a buck, but his #EndTheSilenceOnDomesticViolence campaign is a very good thing.

(9) Everyone needs to do more to prevent domestic abuse & hold offenders to account. Male, female, straight, gay, survivor, non survivor, young, old, etc.

Everyone is affected, including the taxpayer. There's no downside to fighting it. We are saving lives.

(10) I hate false allegations that harm innocent people. I hate it when an offender gets away with it. I hate the politicization of non-political things.

I support the fair, neutral enforcement of the law & the processes of government.

We should be able to agree on this.

(11) I get that some people want to show support for Ms Monahan as a way to highlight the hypocrisy and dishonesty displayed by the Democrats concerning Ms Ford.

IMO Ms Ford's claims fail at the first hurdle & I'm sure the Committee will have dealt with them in a few days time.

(12) Long after the attempted scandal-du-jour has faded from view, I will still be campaigning for the genuine male and female survivors of every type of abuse, harassment and violence. Without fear or favor, politically.

IDC who it is, I care about facts not political views.

(13) A final side note, on another bugbear of mine. Monahan has (needlessly) revealed info about gynecological symptoms, so I feel OK to discuss the issue at the population level.

There is an urgent need to raise public awareness of women's health issues like anemia.

(14) Anemia in girls & women that is usually caused by excessive blood loss is a very important public health issue.

Perhaps one good thing to accidentally come from this situation. So many of us have anemia without knowing it, or treating it correctly if we know about it.

(15) If a girl or woman develops anemia, she needs to have it investigated & treated. The cause of the heavy bleeding must be properly assessed. It is not "just a normal part of life." It may be caused by endometriosis, which may become severe enough to be life-defining.

(16) In the notes we have all seen, the MD refers to treating the heavy bleeding with oral contraceptive pills or an intra-uterine device.

Jumping to those options without investigative surgery is usually a very bad idea. (If that had been done, it would have been noted.)

(17) So I just wanted to mention that, since I don't want people thinking the approach is OK. MDs may be "guided" to use this approach bc it's cheaper, easier, quicker & less invasive.

This problem can be seen in any area of medicine today. As the public, we need to fight it.

(18) That is all. Sorry for the detour into the eternal struggle for optimal medical practice at the population level. I guess you could call this actual care for the interests of women & our families.

You never know what you're going to get with a thread by HW.😉

END