I read Dr. Erik Steele’s column, “Abortion consent or coercion?” (BDN, Feb. 1), with great concern.

Steele claims one of his greatest concerns is that a woman would be subjected to misinformation under the new law. He cites the increased risk of breast cancer following an abortion as a potential area of misinformation.

However, nowhere in this bill (LD 25) is the increased risk of breast cancer mentioned, and by the way, this issue has not been put to rest by recent studies. An increased risk of breast cancer following an abortion is still being researched and may be a very valid concern to all women considering an abortion.

Also, Dr. Steele claims legislative majorities with no medical background could change this bill. In fact, the bill currently states that the risks listed are based on a pamphlet provided by the Bureau of Health. One would hope the staff at the Bureau of Health has some medical background and any future changes would be submitted by medical professionals based on the latest available data.

Misinformation should never be used to further a cause.

I don’t think the overall goals of the bill writers are a great mystery. One is to give women considering an abortion the best information to make an informed decision. The result to this bill may indeed decrease the number of abortions done in this state.

This is not coercion but good quality medicine.

Brian Griffin, M.D.

Greenville Junction