WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 1998: Re: Patients with previous elective abortion

Re: Patients with previous elective abortion

From: Marna (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 28 Oct 1998 15:45:09 -0800

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In reply to: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: Patients with previous elective abortion"
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Dr. McIntosh-

I understand the reasoning behind this, but can you tell us *why*? Can you give us an example of why this would be important.

I like many women are not proud of the choices I have had to make, and I too have had comments made to me and to my partner about a previous termination of pregnancy.

While I realize how important it is not to omit anything, it just makes it difficult, when a patient is felt they are discriminated against and treated differently for a choice they made.

Thank you for your time.

-- Marna D. E. Gatlin Doula/SNMW

This is such a common feature of a woman's medical record as to pass without comment. I see this in new patient records daily. I recognize your feelings in this matter, and your concerns, but I BEG OF YOU, PLEASE RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO PROVIDE ONLY THOSE FEATURES OF YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY THAT YOU THINK ARE PERTINENT. You never know what is important, and what is not. 80% of all medical diagnosis are made by the history alone. If the history is incomplete, you cannot expect to get accurate results.

This is also a standard part of a pediatrician's data base. Patient confidentiality is a critical part of all health care workers canon of ethics. There is nothing that you can tell them that they have not heard a hundred times before. Please, please, do not hamstring your doctor by withholding information.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace consultation and examination by your physician or other health care provider.

Next message: Wendy: "HCG levels,6 weeks pg (8wks since LMP)"
Previous message: Jas: "Re: PROM"
In reply to: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: Patients with previous elective abortion"
Next in thread: anonymous@obgyn.net: "Re: Patients with previous elective abortion"

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