Abortion advocates have long argued that it is safer for a woman to have an abortion than to give birth. A recent major U.S. study has proved them wrong. Again!

The study, "Deaths Associated with Pregnancy Outcome: A Record Linkage Study of Low Income Women (Southern Medical Journal, David C.Reardon, PhD, Philip G.Ney, MD, et al, August, 2002), examined the California Medical records of 173,279 women who had an induced abortion or a delivery in 1989 and who died between 1989 to 1997.

In the study, women who had an induced abortion had a significantly higher risk of death from all causes (163 percent) compared to those women who had a delivery. Death from suicide were 254 percent higher. Death from all accidents were 182 percent higher. Death from natural cause increased 144 percent; from circulatory diseases, 287 percent; and from cerebrovascular disease, 546 percent. Results were stratified by age and time.

The U.S. Study affirmed a previous study done in Finland in 1997, indicating a higher death rate (252 percent) from all causes for women who had an abortion.

The results of this study are consistent with a large body of scientific literature demonstrating an association between abortion and suicide. A health record based measurement of suicide attempts before and after abortion has shown that an increase in suicide rates among aborting women is not related to previous suicidal behavior, but is most likely related to adverse reaction to the abortion itself. Pregnancy and childbirth, on the other hand reduce the risk of suicide.

The greater incidence of fatal accidents (204 percent) and homicides (147.5 percent) may result from unrecognized suicides or increases in risk-taking behavior. Death from accidents may also be related to higher rates of alcohol consumption, or drug use among aborting women. The higher risk from death from homicide may reflect increased levels of anger, self destructive behavior, or domestic violence after abortion.

In regard to the unexpected finding of increased death related to cardiovascular disease, a substantial body of research has shown that psychological problems, especially depression, a greater use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes increases cardiovascular deaths. Increased danger of contracting AIDS may simply be due to an increase in promiscuity and risk-taking behavior during intercourse and other sexual activities with multiple partners.

When the Finland study was published in 1997, the principal researcher and author of the U.S. study, Dr. David C. Reardon, PhD, commented that abortion advocates and mass media completely ignored the results. He recently stated, "If the results had been the opposite, they would have shouted from the rooftops. But since the population control lobby is anxious to see abortion legalized in third world countries, they have a vested interest in promoting the myth that abortion is safer than childbirth, so the results were ignored."

What can be done here in Hawaii with this information?
1) I propose that all medical personnel who perform abortions must provide a written consent form to all potential abortion clients so that they will understand the risk and benefits of the procedure. In my view, with the information now available concerning the effects of abortion, the doctor and all support personnel who provide abortions are liable for the results.

2) For those women and their male partners who have accepted the option of abortion, there is help for you. "Hope Alive" counseling is available now in Hawaii. It offers compassion and healing for those suffering deep damage from abuse, neglect and abortion Call:808-637-3118 for a confidential conversation.

Ron Nelson is a deacon at The Manoa-Punahoe Catholic Community, Honolulu, Hawaii.