Recession's impact felt even in intimate decisions on abortion and family planning

[uppityperson]

Heartbreaking.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=7161386

The pregnant woman showed up at the medical center in flip-flops and in tears, after walking there to save bus fare. Her boyfriend had lost his job, she told her doctor in Oakland, Calif., and now — fearing harder times for her family — she wanted to abort what would have been her fourth child.

"This was a desired pregnancy — she'd been getting prenatal care — but they re-evaluated expenses and decided not to continue," said Dr. Pratima Gupta. "When I was doing the options counseling, she interrupted me halfway through, crying, and said, `Dr. Gupta, I just walked here for an hour. I'm sure of my decision.'"

Other doctors are hearing similarly wrenching tales. For many Americans, the recession is affecting their most intimate decisions about sex and family planning. Doctors and clinics are reporting that many women are choosing abortions and men are having vasectomies because they cannot afford a child.

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Planned Parenthood said it has no up-to-date national abortion figures, nor do other private or government agencies. However, Stephanie Poggi of the National Network of Abortion Funds, which helps women in need pay for abortions, said calls to the network's national helpline have nearly quadrupled from a year ago. "A lot of women who never thought they'd need help are turning to us," Poggi said. "They're telling us, 'I've already put off paying my rent, my electric bill. I'm cutting back on my food.' They've run through all the options."...(more@link)

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Children -- and marriage -- are now privileges

That portends trouble.

--d!

[EFerrari]

2. They always have been for working people and for the poor. n/t

[mudesi]

3. A Symptom Of A Society That Does Not Care

Where is the government assistance for people who need help? Oh, right. That would be "socialism". Big Bad Scary Boogey Man Socialism.

[uppityperson]

4. I find this article an interesting contrast to Octomom.

"socialism", bah. Basic needs should be provided for.