Medical Experts Agree: Vote NO on Measure 11
The South Dakota Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) believe Measure 11 will harm a doctor’s ability to provide safe medical care.
Statement of the South Dakota Section of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Opposing the Proposed Abortion Ban
Initiative 11 is Deceptive and Dangerous for Women and Doctors
(Pierre, South Dakota, October 21, 2008.) The South Dakota Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) today urges rejection of Initiative 11, a measure now before South Dakota voters on the November ballot that bans nearly all abortion, imposes inappropriate ethical and practical burdens on physicians, and obstructs women’s access to basic reproductive health services.
As physicians who provide much of the women’s health care and manage most of the 11,914 births in South Dakota each year, we reiterate a concern we expressed two years ago in opposing a similar government mandate: This ban harms the women of South Dakota, it jeopardizes health care within our state, and it strips South Dakota residents of their fundamental right to appropriate and safe medical care without government interference.
The intervention of government into medical decision-making should be opposed. We urge the citizens of South Dakota to reject Initiative 11. The government’s intrusion is ill-advised and dangerous.
Proponents claim this ban will not interfere with a physician’s medical judgment. In fact, the threat of criminal prosecution will significantly hamper doctors treating women who need life-saving abortions. Physicians will be forced to place themselves in legal jeopardy to provide appropriate care to their patients. This ban betrays a dangerous misunderstanding of day-to-day medical practice and the physician-patient relationship. And by claiming that abortion “subjects the pregnant woman to significant psychological and physical health risks,” it shows contempt for over two decades of scientific and medical standards, research and data.
Although proponents claim this ban will not apply in certain cases, a careful reading and an understanding of medical practice reveal the “exceptions” to be flimsy and unworkable.
ACOG is the nation’s leading group of professionals providing health care for women. It is a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization. ACOG physicians provide women’s health care and manage most of the 11,914 births in South Dakota each year.
Read ACOG’s entire statement opposing Measure 11: http://www.acog.org/acog_sections/sd/20081021statement.pdf
South Dakota State Medical Association Position Statement
Effective Date: September 17, 2008
POSITION STATEMENT
At its September 17, 2008, meeting, the governing Council of the South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) reaffirmed its previous position of support for AMA policy that the issue of support of or opposition to abortion is a matter for individuals to decide, based on personal values or beliefs. Additionally, the Council established a position that the SDSMA opposes Initiated Measure 11 solely based on interference by the government in medical practice and restrictions on physician-patient communications.
AUTHORITY
Adopted by the SDSMA Council of Physicians on September 17, 2008.
More news stories about the South Dakota State Medical Association:
KSFY: Medical Group Against Abortion Ban (10/12/08)
For the first time, the South Dakota State Medical Association is taking sides in the debate over a proposed abortion ban.
Rapid City Journal: Rapid City Journal: Doctors Association Joins Abortion Fray (10/10/08)
Doctors fighting a proposed ban on most abortions in South Dakota have something in this campaign that they didn’t have during a similar battle two years ago: public support from the South Dakota State Medical Association.
Argus Leader: Medical Group Shuns Abortion Ban (10/10/08)
This year’s initiated abortion ban would restrict doctor-patient communication and let government interfere in medical practice, the South Dakota Medical Association’s governing council says.
KEVN: State Medical Association Opposes Initiated Measure 11 (10/10/08)
With less than thirty days until elections, a major medical organization takes a stance on the proposed abortion ban.
Greater Dakota News Service: State Medical Assocation Opposing Abortion Ban Measure (10/10/08)
South Dakota medical professionals who oppose a statewide abortion ban now have the backing of the South Dakota State Medical Association. Dr. Cynthia Weaver, a Rapid City physician and the association’s president, says their governing council has reaffirmed its previous position supporting the American Medical Association’s policy.
KDLT-TV: Medical Association Takes Side
With a little more than three weeks until the November election, both sides in the abortion debate continue working to spread their messages. Now, the South Dakota medical association has chosen a side on measure 11.