[Misinformation among physicians about dangers of fetal x-ray exposure].
A survey among 20 gynecologists and 86 family physicians and general practitioners revealed that only 46% (70% of the gynecologists and 41% of the others) knew that exposure of a pregnant woman to common diagnostic x-ray is not an indication for therapeutic abortion (the opinion of a consensus of experts). This lack of basic information by those who advise pregnant women points to a serious public health problem. Pregnant women are frightened, and in a sense abortions are "coerced" by increasing the unwarranted anxiety. It is incumbent upon individuals and institutions to ensure that physicians, nurses and others in the health professions be well-informed and not supply misinformation.
Fink
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D
Surgical Dept., Hadassah-Hebrew University Hospital, Ein Karem, Jerusalem.
Glick
S
S
D000016:Abnormalities, Radiation-Induced; D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014965:X-Rays / Q000009:adverse effects