New WHO study on abortion–or is it?

By Susan Yoshihara, Ph.D. | January 24, 2012

The Lancet published a joint WHO/Guttmacher Institute study which, predictably, concludes that nations must legalize abortion to make childbearing safer. Here is the report’s bottom line:

“The substantial decline in the abortion rate observed earlier has stalled, and the proportion of all abortions that are unsafe has increased. Restrictive abortion laws are not associated with lower abortion rates. Measures to reduce the incidence of unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion, including investments in family planning services and safe abortion care, are crucial steps toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals.”

It is notable that the contributing WHO researcher has stated in a previous article that he believes abortion is a human right. When pressed, WHO officials say that his articles contain disclaimers saying his beliefs do not necessarily reflect those of the WHO. Indeed, this article also says, “The authors alone are responsible for the views expressed in this paper and they do not necessarily represent the decisions, policy, or views of their institutions or those of funding agencies.” Of course, since Guttmacher is the progeny of Planned Parenthood there is little need for the disclaimer in that case.

The disclaimer makes it clear that the researchers have “views” that naturally influence criteria selection and data analysis. The authors gain the credibilty of the WHO moniker on the study, but WHO will not endorse the study’s underlying “views.”  But WHO cannot have it both ways. Either this study is backed by WHO or it isn’t. WHO leadership should let member nations and health professionals know–which is it?

 

 

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