A matter of maternity

April 3, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - Advocates on both sides of the abortion issue have strong thoughts regarding the state of Alaska's preliminary version of a new abortion Web site. Last week, the state posted the site for public comment, and, as might be expected, it's received mixed reviews.

Last year, the Alaska State Legislature outlined requirements for the Department of Health and Social Services to create a Web site containing scientific and resource information regarding pregnancy and pregnancy alternatives.

A five-physician task force volunteered to put the preliminary Web site together, and through April 25, task force members will accept written comments before reviewing them and deciding on a final version.

Once the site is completed, abortion providers will be required, under state law, to recommend the Web site to women before they perform an abortion.

Both anti-abortion and abortion-rights groups agree that unbiased, factual information will help women make better informed decisions. But agreeing on what qualifies as unbiased and factual, when it comes to abortion, is another matter.

"We appreciate the committee," said Cassandra Johnson, executive director of Alaska Pro-Choice Alliance. "They have done a very thorough job of looking through lots of different pieces of information."

While Johnson said the site would be just another resource for women, she said she believes women are already getting comprehensive factual information, and she is concerned that the Web site singles out abortion as different from other medical procedures.

"I think it sets abortion apart as a separate, special procedure when this is the only issue that the state requires an informed consent Web site that they sponsor," Johnson said. "There isn't (an informed consent Web site) for breast cancer or brain surgery or whatever. This is the only thing that they are singling out. That, to me, tells me that it is about an ideology. If it was about information, then all women who were going to have a child would have to look at the site."

Palmer resident Karen Vosburgh, executive director of Alaska Right to Life, has a different take. She argues that the Web site not only is necessary, but should contain even more detailed information about the physical and emotional side effects of abortions.

Vosburgh said the five-member panel that created the site did not adequately cover the psychological aspects of having an abortion.

"It just skims the top of what actually happens to women in our nation after an abortion," she said. "The way they printed it, it didn't sound very important. It sounded repetitive and women need to know the damages, physically and psychologically. I know the doctors intended well but they pretty much watered it down."

Vosburgh's group also plans to recommend the site contain more detailed information and statistics about the negative physical effects of abortions.

"It was intended to be full, complete and accurate information, and they fell down on that," she said.

Despite her concerns, Vosburgh did commend the site for its accuracy in terms of fetal development.

Lisa Warenda, of Palmer, is the treasurer for the Mat-Su chapter of the National Organization of Women, which advocates abortion rights. Warenda said she was against the site at first because it singled out abortion, but so far has been impressed with the preliminary results.

"I was a little offended when [Gov. Frank] Murkowski signed the law but after looking at the information, I'm going to recommend that my daughter look at this site," she said. "It's very easy to use. I think it is a resource for girls."

Warenda said she was impressed with the paternity section, which explains the importance of getting fathers involved with raising and supporting their children. She didn't look at the pictures presented for optional viewing on the site but wasn't against them in principle.

"I'm sure the pictures will sway some people to another decision, which is OK, I guess, as long as it doesn't frighten them," she said.

Warenda said Mat-Su NOW is working with Alaska Pro-Choice Alliance to offer some suggestions for the site in terms of positioning links to abortion sites from other states. Warenda said those sites should be at the back of the site, not so close to the front.

Elizabeth Ripley, Valley Hospital's director of marketing and public relations, said the site looks fairly straightforward and understandable.

"We've had a number of people review it," Ripley said. "For the most part our executive team, we are all in accord."

Ripley said she was impressed by the sheer amount of information available.

"It will be a tremendous clearing house of information for women who are planning or expecting to have a child," she said. "I'm in favor of having good information."

Ripley said it is difficult for many people in the state to access medical information.

"This Web site is one way to get that information out," she said. "I'm in the information business. The more information we can give to make informed decisions, the better, and the state has gone out of its way to get people on both sides of the fence to get input."

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266, or joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.