WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- U.S. pregnancy resource centers, which get federal funds, are accused of wrongly telling women that abortions increase risks of breast cancer.
A minority congressional report requested by U.S. Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., also alleges that these centers claim abortions raise the risk of infertility and deep psychological trauma, The Washington Post said.
The report claimed 20 of 23 federally funded centers contacted by staff investigators gave such false or misleading information.
Pregnancy resource centers, often affiliated with anti-abortion religious groups, have received about $30 million in federal funds since 2001. The report said the centers' information may be effective in frightening pregnant teenagers and women but denies them vital health information to make informed decisions.
A spokeswoman for one of the two large networks of pregnancy resource centers told The Post the centers mentioned receive federal grants for abstinence-only programs and not pregnancy counseling. She said the funds are kept separate. As to risks of breast cancer and other problems, the spokesman quoted studies she said showed significant medical problems from abortion.
The Post said an expert panel of the National Cancer Institute said in 2003 that abortion does not pose increased breast cancer risk.
