Planned Parenthood has a financial interest in abortion. They have an incentive to routinely deny that abortion has any effects on women’s health, be it physical, emotional, or otherwise.
Planned Parenthood ignores the stories of post-abortive women
There are countless women who have expressed turmoil from past abortions. Rather than accept these women’s stories, in a publication titled, "The emotional effects of induced abortion," Planned Parenthood begins it by flatly stating that, "For more than 30 years, substantive research studies have shown that legally induced abortion does not pose mental health problems for women." Are women who express their depression and anguish after abortion not experiencing mental health problems?
Many studies have shown that abortion is related to an increased risk for several mental health problems: mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, etc. Abortion is associated with an increased risk of mental problems in 13 of 36 studies between 1995-2011. No difference between abortion and childbirth is found in five of the studies, and only one found worse outcomes for giving birth. To Planned Parenthood, the only "substantive" studies and experiences are those that validate their commitment to abortion.
Planned Parenthood ignores evidence about abortion and breast cancer
Their publication entitled, “Myths about abortion and breast cancer,” is pretty clear on their position. The majority of worldwide studies done on the issue have shown a correlation between abortion and breast cancer. Planned Parenthood’s primary evidence refuting these numerous studies is a 2003 workshop hosted by the National Cancer Institute that declared there is no risk. One of the workshop's organizers, Dr. Louise Brinton, later went on to co-author a study listing abortion as one of several "known and suspected breast cancer risk factors." The study shows abortion is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Let's compare abortion to alcohol consumption, which is a widely accepted risk factor. The breast cancer odds ratio for women who have abortions compared to those who don’t in Brinton’s study was 1.4. It was only 1.1 for women who have three or more drinks a week compared to those who had none (1.0 meaning no change in risk). Women deserve to be informed that dozens of studies have shown a link between abortion and breast cancer, not a flat denial from researchers who publish data that contradict their own conclusions.
Planned Parenthood opposes a woman's right to know
In 2014-2015, Planned Parenthood received $553.7 million in taxpayer dollars, and spent $39.3 million lobbying elected officials according to their annual report. Planned Parenthood spends that lobbying money to oppose essentially any regulation on abortion, including requirements to inform women about abortion procedures and any potential risks. Until 1992 it was unconstitutional in America to require informed consent before abortion procedures. Planned Parenthood lost on that particular issue in Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the U.S. Supreme Court in 1992. Planned Parenthood continues to oppose informed consent and laws requiring them to offer women the option to see their own ultrasound scans (imagine a doctor who won't let you see your own x-ray?). They should at least respect the right of their own clients to be informed about issues regarding their health.
