AAFP Stands With Patients: Statement on Rep. Akin’s “Legitimate Rape”.

Posted on | August 24, 2012 | Comments Off on AAFP Stands With Patients: Statement on Rep. Akin’s “Legitimate Rape”.

Congratulations to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Yesterday the association stood up for patients and provided clear guidance to their physician members stating that Rep. Akin’s views on “legitimate rape” have “no biologic truth” to back them up. The full release is available at: http://www.aafp.org/online/en/home/media/releases/2012/medical-care-rape-victims.html

Thanks AAFP for your leadership on behalf of America’s patients and their physicians!

AAFP Statement: Evidence-based Medical Care Is Critical for Rape Victims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 23, 2012

Statement attributable to:
Glen Stream, MD, MBI
President
American Academy of Family Physicians

“Recent remarks by a Member of Congress diminish the tremendous physical and social impacts of these vicious crimes and distract from the importance of victims receiving appropriate medical care.

“It is estimated that more than 300,000 women are raped each year and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that approximately 32,000 pregnancies per year occur as a result of rape. These statistics strongly contradict the statement by Rep. Todd Akin that “women who are victims of ‘legitimate rape’ rarely get pregnant.” There is no biological truth to the statement, “if it is a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to shut that whole thing down.”

“Unfortunately, only 36 percent of rape victims report having received medical treatment. The American Academy of Family Physicians urges its doctors to be aware of the prevalence of sexual violence in their communities and to be alert for its effects in their patients.

“The AAFP urges government at all levels to assure rape victims have immediate access to services such as emergency contraception, counseling to decrease posttraumatic stress disorder and appropriate treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. And the AAFP reminds lawmakers that health care should be guided by rigorous scientific evidence.”