Mary Ziegler’s thoughtful May 10 Ideas piece, “Is it free speech — or dangerous malpractice?” reveals the tension between protecting a constitutional liberty and protecting health. These two obligations are not in conflict — they are complementary.
An individual’s right to speak openly about personal beliefs or faith is sacred. But a clinic is not a public square. Within those exam room walls, a provider holds a position of trust. The clinical guidance offered must be grounded in the best available science.
So-called abortion pill reversal has no scientific basis. It has not been rigorously studied. We do know, however, that administration of high doses of progesterone following medication abortion may cause serious harm.
When providers recommend unproven treatments with known risks, it is the Department of Public Health’s responsibility to hold licensed clinicians to professional standards.
Recent decisions by the courts and the federal government remind us that legal and medical standards do not always move in lockstep. The right to high-quality health care is as fundamental as the right to free speech. We are free to speak the truth, and we must lift up the facts: Mifepristone is safe. Abortion pill reversal is not.
Dr. Robbie Goldstein
Commissioner
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Boston