Hi @JoeNBC! I heard that you discussed later abortion on Morning Joe today. You mentioned that the science and politics is changing around the issue. In fact, the science isn’t changing. Only the confusion around it is. I’d be happy to explain.
The overwhelming majority of abortions happen in the first 12 weeks. However some people need access to abortion after 20 weeks because of health indication, lethal anomaly, or because states have made it so difficult and expensive to access an abortion, so they're delayed.
In fact, we actually have research showing how the restrictions on abortion in Texas led to an increase in later abortion because patients had a difficult time accessing the care they needed, when they wanted it. expressnews.com/news/local/art…
At @AbortionFunds, they hear from people who have trouble affording abortions everyday, and their research shows the financial and logistical barriers that lead to delaying access to an abortion. abortionfunds.org/tiller-fund-20…
As you noted, young people are rallying and speaking out about the challenges their friends are facing including financial challenges, access to birth control, and rape, which contribute to them needing access to later abortion care. abortionfunds.org/tiller-fund-20…
Young people see how parental involvement laws make access harder for themselves and their friends. Those who are unable to tell their parents about needing an abortion (for many serious reasons) are forced to seek a judicial bypass which could be denied. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…
Additionally, many of the laws that seek to restrict or outright ban abortion after 20 weeks are not based in evidence-based science. Our best research indicates that a fetus cannot perceive pain until 26 weeks. rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-…
You can read more about later abortion here at laterabortion.org. I think it's imperative that as a media personality, you are able to be well-informed about the issues you discuss on your show, and the evidence-based science we use to practice medicine.
I know you haven't always been a fan of abortion providers, and have even defended the man who murdered Dr. David Gunn free of charge, but I hope that we can have a conversation on abortion grounded in evidence-based science and the practice of medicine. gawker.com/5279175/joe-sc…
As a doctor, @JoeNBC, it's my job to offer my patients the best information as it relates to their pregnancy health, and that shouldn't be left up to a politician. Most people, and voters, don't want politicians or polling deciding their healthcare. Young people don't either.
