Changes

Note the second type of study is conveniently restricted to the U.S. resulting in elimination of at least 40 studies. As a reviewer, I summarized these and sent them to the APA. There is an insufficient rationale (cultural variation) for exclusively focusing on U.S. studies when it comes to this type of study.   

Note the second type of study is conveniently restricted to the U.S. resulting in elimination of at least 40 studies. As a reviewer, I summarized these and sent them to the APA. There is an insufficient rationale (cultural variation) for exclusively focusing on U.S. studies when it comes to this type of study.   

Introduction of this exception allowed the Task Force to ignore studies like a large Swedish study of 854 women one year after an abortion, which incorporated a semi-structured interview methodology requiring 45-75 minutes to administer (Soderberg et al, 1998). Rates of negative experiences were considerably higher than in previously published studies relying on more superficial assessments. Specifically, 50-60% of the women experienced emotional distress of some form (e.g., mild depression, remorse or guilt feelings, a tendency to cry without cause, discomfort upon meeting children), 16.1% experienced serious emotional distress (needing help from a psychiatrist or psychologist or being unable to work because of depression), and 76.1% said that they would not consider abortion again (suggesting indirectly that it was not a very positive experience).

Introduction of this exception allowed the Task Force to ignore studies like a large Swedish study of 854 women one year after an abortion, which incorporated a semi-structured interview methodology requiring 45–75 minutes to administer (Soderberg et al, 1998). Rates of negative experiences were considerably higher than in previously published studies relying on more superficial assessments. Specifically, 50-60% of the women experienced emotional distress of some form (e.g., mild depression, remorse or guilt feelings, a tendency to cry without cause, discomfort upon meeting children), 16.1% experienced serious emotional distress (needing help from a psychiatrist or psychologist or being unable to work because of depression), and 76.1% said that they would not consider abortion again (suggesting indirectly that it was not a very positive experience).

==Methodologically based selection criteria as opposed to geographic locale should have been employed and consistently applied.==

==Methodologically based selection criteria as opposed to geographic locale should have been employed and consistently applied.==

 

 

If the Task Force members were interested in providing an evaluation of the strongest evidence, why weren't more stringent criteria employed than simply publication of empirical data related to induced abortion, with at least one mental health measure in peer-reviewed journals in English on U.S. and non-U.S. samples (for one type of study)? Employment of methodological criteria in selection would certainly have simplified the task of evaluation as well. Sample size/characteristics/representativeness, type of design, employment of control techniques, discipline published in, etc. are logical places to begin. I am shocked to not see the development of criteria that reflect knowledge of this literature.

If the Task Force members were interested in providing an evaluation of the strongest evidence, why weren't more stringent criteria employed than simply publication of empirical data related to induced abortion, with at least one mental health measure in peer-reviewed journals in English on U.S. and non-U.S. samples (for one type of study)? Employment of methodological criteria in selection would certainly have simplified the task of evaluation as well. Sample size/characteristics/representativeness, type of design, employment of control techniques, discipline published in, etc. are logical places to begin. I am shocked to not see the development of criteria that reflect knowledge of this literature.

==Shifting standards of evaluation of studies presented based on the conclusion's fit with a pro-choice agenda==

==Shifting standards of evaluation of studies presented based on the conclusion's fit with a pro-choice agenda==

 

There are numerous examples of studies with results suggesting no negative effects of abortion being reviewed less extensively and stringently than studies indicating adverse effects. Further the positive features of the studies suggesting abortion is a benign experience for most women are highlighted while the positive features of the studies revealing adverse outcomes are downplayed or ignored. All the studies showing adverse effects were published in peer-reviewed journals, many in very prestigious journals with low acceptance rates. Clearly then, the studies have many strengths, which outweigh the limitations.  

There are numerous examples of studies with results suggesting no negative effects of abortion being reviewed less extensively and stringently than studies indicating adverse effects. Further the positive features of the studies suggesting abortion is a benign experience for most women are highlighted while the positive features of the studies revealing adverse outcomes are downplayed or ignored. All the studies showing adverse effects were published in peer-reviewed journals, many in very prestigious journals with low acceptance rates. Clearly then, the studies have many strengths, which outweigh the limitations.  

In 1969, four years before ''Roe v Wade'', the American Psychological Association adopted as part of it's official policy the political position that abortion is a civil right.<ref name=hdavid>David, H. [http://web.uvic.ca/~apadiv34/contents/PEPB/PEPB253.pdf "Retrospectives" From APA Task Force to Division 34"] Population & Environmental Psychology Bulletin 1999, 25(3):2-3.</ref> The petition was

In 1969, four years before ''Roe v Wade'', the American Psychological Association adopted as part of it's official policy the political position that abortion is a civil right.<ref name=hdavid>David, H. [http://web.uvic.ca/~apadiv34/contents/PEPB/PEPB253.pdf "Retrospectives" From APA Task Force to Division 34"] Population & Environmental Psychology Bulletin 1999, 25(3):2-3.</ref> The petition was

:WHEREAS, termination of unwanted pregnancies is clearly a mental health and child welfare issue, and a legitimate concern of APA; be it resolved, that termination of pregnancy be considered a civil right of the pregnant woman, to be handled as other medical and surgical procedures in consultation with her physician... <ref name="Throck2">[http://www.drthrockmorton.com/article.asp?id=204 Abortion and American Psychology] Warren Throckmorton, PhD</ref>

:WHEREAS, termination of unwanted pregnancies is clearly a mental health and child welfare issue, and a legitimate concern of APA; be it resolved, that termination of pregnancy be considered a civil right of the pregnant woman, to be handled as other medical and surgical procedures in consultation with her physician...<ref name="Throck2">[http://www.drthrockmorton.com/article.asp?id=204 Abortion and American Psychology] Warren Throckmorton, PhD</ref>

At the same time, the APA established the Task Force on Psychology, Family Planning and Population Policy to "(a) to prepare "a review of the current state of psychological research related to family planning and population policy and (b) to make recommendations for encouraging greater research and professional service participation by psychologists in this emerging area of social concern."  The Task Force was made up of APA members with an interest in family planning and population control and was instrumental in the establishing in 1974 the APA Division 34 on Population and Environmental Psychology (APA Division 34)<ref name=hdavid/> The members of this division subsequently contributed information to Surgeon General Koop and published an important review of the literature on abortion and mental health in 1990 (discussed below).  Two members of the original task force, Brenda Major and Nancy Russo, were also on the second task force which published the new position paper on abortion in 2008, with Brenda Major acting as the chair of that task force.

At the same time, the APA established the Task Force on Psychology, Family Planning and Population Policy to "(a) to prepare "a review of the current state of psychological research related to family planning and population policy and (b) to make recommendations for encouraging greater research and professional service participation by psychologists in this emerging area of social concern."  The Task Force was made up of APA members with an interest in family planning and population control and was instrumental in the establishing in 1974 the APA Division 34 on Population and Environmental Psychology (APA Division 34)<ref name=hdavid/> The members of this division subsequently contributed information to Surgeon General Koop and published an important review of the literature on abortion and mental health in 1990 (discussed below).  Two members of the original task force, Brenda Major and Nancy Russo, were also on the second task force which published the new position paper on abortion in 2008, with Brenda Major acting as the chair of that task force.

=== Brenda Major ===

=== Brenda Major ===

Immediately after the 2008 Task Force Report was published, evidence came to light that the chair of the Task Force, Brenda Major, has been violating the APA's own ethics rules on data sharing by refusing to share her own data on mental health effects associated with abortion, gathered under a federal grant, with other researchers.<ref name=ThrockMajor>[http://wthrockmorton.com/2008/08/14/allegations-cloud-apa-mental-health-and-abortion-report/ Allegations cloud APA Mental Health and Abortion report] by Warren Throckmorton </ref>.<ref name=ertelt1> Steven Ertelt <http://www.lifenews.com/nat4135.html Researcher: APA Chair Withholding Info on Abortion's Mental Health Risks> LifeNews.com  August 15, 2008</ref> <ref><http://www.dakotavoice.com/2008/08/following-truth-where-ever-it-leads.html></ref>  Brenda Major is a member of the APA "Society for the Psychology of Women (Division 35)<ref name=Bvitae>http://www.psych.ucsb.edu/~major/lab/vita.html  Curriculum Vitae Brenda Major, Ph.D.]</ref>

Immediately after the 2008 Task Force Report was published, evidence came to light that the chair of the Task Force, Brenda Major, has been violating the APA's own ethics rules on data sharing by refusing to share her own data on mental health effects associated with abortion, gathered under a federal grant, with other researchers.<ref name=ThrockMajor>[http://wthrockmorton.com/2008/08/14/allegations-cloud-apa-mental-health-and-abortion-report/ Allegations cloud APA Mental Health and Abortion report] by Warren Throckmorton</ref><ref name=ertelt1>Steven Ertelt <http://www.lifenews.com/nat4135.html Researcher: APA Chair Withholding Info on Abortion's Mental Health Risks> LifeNews.com  August 15, 2008</ref><ref><http://www.dakotavoice.com/2008/08/following-truth-where-ever-it-leads.html></ref>  Brenda Major is a member of the APA "Society for the Psychology of Women (Division 35)<ref name=Bvitae>http://www.psych.ucsb.edu/~major/lab/vita.html  Curriculum Vitae Brenda Major, Ph.D.]</ref>

which describes its mission as that of providing "an organizational base for all feminists, women and men of all national origins, who are interested in teaching, research, or practice in the psychology of women."[http://www.apa.org/about/division/div35.html] She is also an advisor to the post-abortion counseling group called Exhale<ref name=Bvitae/> which has served 15,000 women seeking post-abortion counseling.[http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_abortion_counseling_conundrum]

which describes its mission as that of providing "an organizational base for all feminists, women and men of all national origins, who are interested in teaching, research, or practice in the psychology of women."[http://www.apa.org/about/division/div35.html] She is also an advisor to the post-abortion counseling group called Exhale<ref name=Bvitae/> which has served 15,000 women seeking post-abortion counseling.[http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_abortion_counseling_conundrum]

Exhale receives funding it from two politically pro-choice donors. The Women's Foundation of California "work(s) to strengthen the capacity of reproductive health and rights organizations in California, protect existing reproductive rights, [and] promote policies that increase access to care and to abortion." The Third Wave Foundation also found the hotline met their criteria for "award[ing] grants to support the training of new abortion providers, increasing access to reproductive healthcare services…and reproductive…education."<ref>http://www.womensfoundca.org/grantmaking_programs.html

Exhale receives funding it from two politically pro-choice donors. The Women's Foundation of California "work(s) to strengthen the capacity of reproductive health and rights organizations in California, protect existing reproductive rights, [and] promote policies that increase access to care and to abortion." The Third Wave Foundation also found the hotline met their criteria for "award[ing] grants to support the training of new abortion providers, increasing access to reproductive healthcare services…and reproductive…education."<ref>http://www.womensfoundca.org/grantmaking_programs.html

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/899  

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/899  

http://www.thirdwavefoundation.org/programs/repro_rights.html </ref>

http://www.thirdwavefoundation.org/programs/repro_rights.html</ref>

Women's eNewsletter wrote that Exhale’s "monthly budget [is] "$500…for phones, brochures and office space," but their annual operating budget is either “$200,000” or "$250,000"<ref>http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyreview/localnews/ci_2769183</ref>

Women's eNewsletter wrote that Exhale’s "monthly budget [is] "$500…for phones, brochures and office space," but their annual operating budget is either “$200,000” or "$250,000"<ref>http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyreview/localnews/ci_2769183</ref>

Gallagher naïvely assumes findings with implications for women's lives can be "apolitical." Science always reflects the values of scientists--the difference here is that we state our values up front and do not pretend scientific methods make findings value-free....

Gallagher naïvely assumes findings with implications for women's lives can be "apolitical." Science always reflects the values of scientists--the difference here is that we state our values up front and do not pretend scientific methods make findings value-free....

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Finally, the Phillip Morris analogy is inapt. We have no interest, economic or otherwise, in portraying abortion as a risk-free event. A pro-choice position means that we believe abortion is the woman's choice, that women should be given accurate information and informed consent in making their reproductive choices, and that they be supported in their decisions. The charge that this activity, which is congruent with APA policy and conducted in conformance with scientific standards, "undermines the integrity" of APA is without basis.<Ref>

Finally, the Phillip Morris analogy is inapt. We have no interest, economic or otherwise, in portraying abortion as a risk-free event. A pro-choice position means that we believe abortion is the woman's choice, that women should be given accurate information and informed consent in making their reproductive choices, and that they be supported in their decisions. The charge that this activity, which is congruent with APA policy and conducted in conformance with scientific standards, "undermines the integrity" of APA is without basis.<ref>

[http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr03/letters.html RESPONSE FROM DIV. 35 TASK FORCE ON REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES] </ref>

[http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr03/letters.html RESPONSE FROM DIV. 35 TASK FORCE ON REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES]</ref>

</blockquote>

</blockquote>

Similarly, she told a science reporter from the Toledo Blade newspaper saying "As far as I'm concerned, whether or not an abortion creates psychological difficulties is not relevant...it means you give proper informed consent and you deal with it".<ref>JENNI LAIDMAN [http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040122/NEWS09/101220084 After decades of research, evaluating abortion's effect still difficult] Toledo Blade January 22, 2004</ref>

Similarly, she told a science reporter from the Toledo Blade newspaper saying "As far as I'm concerned, whether or not an abortion creates psychological difficulties is not relevant...it means you give proper informed consent and you deal with it".<ref>JENNI LAIDMAN [http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040122/NEWS09/101220084 After decades of research, evaluating abortion's effect still difficult] Toledo Blade January 22, 2004</ref>

In 2005, Russo and Denious described the promotion of post-abortion syndrome as part of a campaign to develop a rationale for suing physicians who provide abortions and thus deterring the provision of legal abortion services. The authors wrote that: "There is no scientific basis for constructing (sic?) abortion as a severe physical or mental health threat," describing as "most worrisome... the publication of deeply flawed studies that contain miscoded data and meaningless findings (e.g., Reardon & Cougle, 2002) which are then used as 'evidence' that abortion is harmful to women."<ref name="JSoc2"> Russo, Denious. Journal of Social Issues. 2005 </ref>

In 2005, Russo and Denious described the promotion of post-abortion syndrome as part of a campaign to develop a rationale for suing physicians who provide abortions and thus deterring the provision of legal abortion services. The authors wrote that: "There is no scientific basis for constructing (sic?) abortion as a severe physical or mental health threat," describing as "most worrisome... the publication of deeply flawed studies that contain miscoded data and meaningless findings (e.g., Reardon & Cougle, 2002) which are then used as 'evidence' that abortion is harmful to women."<ref name="JSoc2">Russo, Denious. Journal of Social Issues. 2005</ref>

    

    

Reardon and Cougle have denied that their studies are flawed, miscoded, or meaningless and have accused Russo of slanting the findings of her own studies to promote a pro-abortion agenda by recoding the data to exclude women who were pressured into unwanted abortions while also adding women who had subsequent abortion into the control group, omitting mention of a 60% concealment rate, failing to describe a large body of studies, including others done by Russo, which have confirmed a persistent association between abortion and depression, and for exaggeration of the importance of statistically insignificant results.<ref>[http://www.bmj.com/cgi/eletters/331/7528/1303#120455 Study Fails to Address Our Previous Findings and Subject to Misleading Interpretations] Reardon, BMJ, Rapid Responses 2005</ref>

Reardon and Cougle have denied that their studies are flawed, miscoded, or meaningless and have accused Russo of slanting the findings of her own studies to promote a pro-abortion agenda by recoding the data to exclude women who were pressured into unwanted abortions while also adding women who had subsequent abortion into the control group, omitting mention of a 60% concealment rate, failing to describe a large body of studies, including others done by Russo, which have confirmed a persistent association between abortion and depression, and for exaggeration of the importance of statistically insignificant results.<ref>[http://www.bmj.com/cgi/eletters/331/7528/1303#120455 Study Fails to Address Our Previous Findings and Subject to Misleading Interpretations] Reardon, BMJ, Rapid Responses 2005</ref>