Contact: Karen Malec, Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer, 847-421-4000

MEDIA ADVISORY, March 10 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer announced today its opposition to the euphemistically-named Illinois bill, "Reproductive and Health Access Act," HB 6205. The women's group has published a position paper for legislators and interested citizens.

"Contrary to what the bill's title says, it will significantly damage the health of women and their children in subsequent pregnancies," declared Karen Malec, president of the Coalition. "It is indisputable that an expansion of abortion in Illinois will lead to increased rates of breast cancer and premature births.

"Medical texts report that increased childbearing, starting at a younger age, and increased breastfeeding sharply reduce breast cancer risk. Childbearing helps protect women from breast cancer. Abortion results in the loss of that protective effect. Doctors are ethically obligated to inform pregnant women that abortion will leave them with a higher breast cancer risk than would childbearing.

"Our position paper shows that the abortion-premature birth link is settled science -- with three systematic reviews and meta-analyses last year having confirmed it and the Institute of Medicine's recognition of it. Premature birth increases the risks of neonatal death, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and difficulties walking, seeing and hearing.

"The bill requires public schools to teach comprehensive sex education which often involves informing students about oral contraceptives. Our position paper shows that oral contraceptives were linked to a four-fold increased risk of the deadly triple-negative breast cancer. The World Health Organization has listed combined oral contraceptives as a Group 1 carcinogen -- meaning carcinogenic to humans. Oral contraceptives are on the same list as asbestos, tobacco, benzene, arsenic, cadmium and combined hormone replacement therapy. Teachers who push these drugs will be giving some students a death sentence.

"It is deplorable that abortion enthusiasts in government and the abortion industry would ignore more than a half-century of scientific evidence and inflict catastrophic injuries and deaths upon Americans. Terrorists have not wreaked such immense destruction on this country," asserted Mrs. Malec.

The Coalition on Abortion/Breast Cancer is an international women's organization founded to protect the health and save the lives of women by educating and providing information on abortion as a risk factor for breast cancer.