Thread by @JoJoYangMD

In my job as a pediatric neurologist, we consult with pregnant people if a brain abnormality was found on ultrasounds. We provide information on prognosis. If the prognosis is bad or high risk, elective pregnancy termination should be an option. (1/9)

We also prescribe anti seizure meds to people with epilepsy, who need to take these meds for months, often years. Some of these meds have potential to cause serious birth defects, or have unknown safety during pregnancy. (2/9)

Same goes for migraine meds, immunologic meds (treatment for multiple sclerosis, etc). Even if neurologists and insurance companies require a contract or proof of contraception, birth control isn’t 100% effective. (3/9)

If a person becomes pregnant while taking a high risk birth defect med, elective pregnancy termination should again be an option for the health of the fetus and the pregnant individual. (4/9)

We also care for teens/YA with intellectual disabilities, who are at higher risk for being victims of sexual assault. If they become pregnant but are not able to live independently or care for a baby on their own, elective pregnancy termination should again be an option. (5/9)

These are just a few of the ways that abortion being illegal will affect my patients, people that I care about and worry about. (6/9)

Obgyn prov are struggling over the loss of life and autonomy for people with uteruses, pediatrics prov are struggling over the loss of privacy and autonomy for adolescents worried about pregnancy. But as @ImaEbong said, this is not just a #obgyntwitter issue. (7/9)

I urge neurologists who do not think Roe v Wade policies will affect our patients to reconsider. We have a duty to educate politicians and constituents. I urge citizens against abortion to think about it as medical care rather than a political issue. (8/9)

#abortionishealthcare that’s truly #prolife. #neurotwitter #medtwitter @amepilepsysoc @aanmember @ameracadpeds (9/9)