Medical Journals Censoring Scientific Debate

Medical Journals Censoring Scientific Debate on Abortion-Breast Cancer Link, Says Women's Group

The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer deplores the fact that two medical journals have resorted to censorship for the purpose of suppressing scientific debate and academic criticism of flawed research on the abortion-breast cancer (ABC) link. 1 2  The journals, Lancet and Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, refused to publish letters critical of research showing little or no relationship between abortion and increased breast cancer risk.

"The editors of these journals are silencing experts who dissent from the view that abortion is unrelated to increased risk of breast cancer," argued Karen Malec, president of the coalition. "The editors don't want a full scale scientific examination of the ABC link because they know abortion causes breast cancer.  If science were on their side, then they wouldn't have to resort to petty censorship.  They could dispose of the link handily through the use of a full scale scientific investigation and debate.

"Recognition of the ABC link," continued Mrs. Malec, "could embarrass leading researchers and the cancer fundraising industry.  Nevertheless, the increasing incidence and importance of female breast cancer merits the fullest scientific investigation and discussion."

The British journal Lancet rejected for publication letters from two experts, Chris Kahlenborn, MD and Patrick Carroll.  Kahlenborn authored the book, Breast Cancer: It's Link to Abortion and the Birth Control Pill.

Carroll is a British actuary and statistician and the research director for the Pension and Population Research Institute in London. His research on the ABC link has been published by other reputable journals. 3 4

The journal, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, rejected a letter from Joel Brind, Ph.D., professor of endocrinology at Baruch College, City University of New York.  Brind was the lead author in the only quantitative and comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the ABC research. 5

Carroll emphasized the limitations of all sample-based research.  His research uses historic national data, not samples.  It is free of any possibility of recall bias.

Brind and Kahlenborn provided evidence discrediting a favorite theory of abortion advocates known as "recall bias."

"The editors' censorship should be a red flag for women," declared Mrs. Malec.  "Scientific misconduct and bias against positive findings have been a serious problem plaguing ABC research for a half-century."

The letters by Kahlenborn, Carroll and Brind and the coalition's explanations of their criticisms are published online, click here

The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer is an international women's organization founded to protect the health and save the lives of women by educating and providing information on abortion as a risk factor for breast cancer.

• 1. Beral V, Bull D, Doll R, Peto R, Reeves G. Lancet (2004) 363:1007-16.
• 2. Mahue-Giangreco M et al. (March 2003) Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, Vol. 12, 209-214.
• 3. "Pregnancy Related Risk Factors in Female Breast Cancer Incidence." International Congress of Actuaries, Transactions (2002) 4:331-75.
• 4. "Trends and Risk Factors in English Breast Cancers." British Journal of Cancer. Vol 91, Supplement 1, July 2004, page S24.
• 5. Brind J et al. (1996) J Epidemiol Community Health 50:481-96.