Abortion, Contraceptives, and Women's Health Issues

When we talk about the flu, about cancer, about heart attacks, we're usually safe with calling them health issues.  Breast cancer is a bit more specifically female - even though guys can get it too.  But when contraceptives and abortion are brought up, you suddenly find yourself in a discussion about women's health.

Women's health is important.  This isn't a story about how gynecology should be banished from the modern mind.  This is more about a particular branch of gynecology and how some people use it to justify their ideology.

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In Good Health

“It’s good you came in when you did.”

Aiden took Sophia’s hand.  “It’s not anything serious, is it?”  They exchanged nervous glances.

The doctor smiled, politely, “Sophia, have you had unprotected sexual relations within the past three months?”

The young woman glanced at her husband, “A couple of months ago – I forgot to take my prevention supplement…”

“I thought as much,” a nod, and a few notes on her clipboard, “Even one missed dose leaves a window of vulnerability.”

Aiden shifted his weight in his chair, “What does she have?”

“When a man’s sperm makes contact with an ovum it can occasionally trigger the growth of a genetic abnormality called a fetus.”  The doctor adjusted her glasses as she took a seat at her desk.

“A fetus?”

“Yes, a parasitic organism that attaches itself the woman.  Its feeding process creates a hormonal imbalance that triggers nausea.”

Sophia had gone pale.  Aiden let go of her hand and rubbed her back.  He turned distressed eyes to the doctor, “Is it treatable?”

“In most cases.”  She was typing information into her computer, “The condition eventually results in fetal expulsion, but the chance of complications rises the more mature the parasite becomes.”  The doctor paused in her typing to give the couple a pointed look, “In rare cases, failure to remove the parasite can be fatal.”

“Is the procedure dangerous?” Sophia asked in a weak voice.

“Oh no.  Minimally invasive.  The organism is removed.  Two weeks recovery.  A short checkup, and you’re better than ever.”

The couple looked relieved, and the doctor noticed their change in attitude with a mild dissatisfaction, “This could have been avoided, of course.  A fetus is a great deal worse than most sexually transmitted diseases.  It’s nothing to take lightly.”

“Of course not!”

“No, we understand!”

The doctor nodded, and turned back to her typing.