Child Neurology Society statement on Dobbs v Jackson and my response

Dobbs v Jackson

A Statement from the Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) & Child Neurology Society (CNS)

The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) and the Child Neurology Society (CNS) work on behalf of children and families living with neurologic conditions within the United States, and the child neurologists who care for them. As the leading organizations representing
the child neurology community, we stand firm in our commitment that all have access to safe, equitable and quality healthcare, including medical termination of pregnancy-abortion. We are persistent in our belief of the essential and critical relationship between a patient and their health care professional, and boldly guard against any intrusion.

Medical decisions are intricate and complex, particularly when neurological conditions are involved. Our community faces care decisions related to pregnancies affected by congenital, genetic, life-threatening anomalies, or in persons with intellectual and developmental impairment who live with a higher risk for sexual assault. Moreover, our health care professionals commonly manage medicines known to be correlated with a higher risk of birth defects. We affirm that all medical decisions should occur between the health care professional, patient, and their caregiver. Therefore, we are deeply concerned with a growing number of states reacting to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision with legislation that impedes health care professionals from optimally and equitably serving their patients and caregivers.

Guided by compassion and medical expertise, we remain steadfast in our support of the child neurology community – keeping our patients and their families at the center of our work.

Anup Patel, MD

President

Child Neurology Foundation

Bruce Cohen, MD

President

Child Neurology Society


My response:

From: Galen Breningstall
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2022 12:02 PM
To: bcohen@akronchildrens.org <bcohen@akronchildrens.org>; anup.patel@nationwidechildrens.org <anup.patel@nationwidechildrens.org>
Subject: Dobbs v Jackson statement

I cannot in good conscience accept the Dobbs v Jackson statement of the Child Neurology Society or remain a member of an organization where this is the official position of the organization. "As the leading organizations representing the child neurology community, we stand firm in our commitment that all have access to safe, equitable and quality healthcare, including medical termination of pregnancy - abortion. We are persistent in our belief of the essential and critical relationship between a patient and their health care professional, and boldly guard against any intrusion."  I do not believe that the "essential and critical relationship between a patient and their health care professional" should be protected "against any intrusion". In recent political discussion regarding the abortion issue it has been abundantly clear than any mother who wishes to kill her baby, for whatever frivolous reason and at whatever gestation, will find a medical professional willing to accommodate her. This is an abomination and warrants legal protection for the unborn child.