More Psychological Harm Than Quoted

Thank you for publishing Mary Rourke’s article “Forgive But Not Forget” (July 19). It has helped call attention to the problem of post-abortion trauma.

Unfortunately, one quote attributed to me erroneously suggests that the number of women suffering psychological harm from abortion is quite small--about 10%. In fact, existing studies establish a range of 10% to 50% of women experiencing post-abortion psychological harm.

Those studies are far from definitive, but underline why there is such a compelling need for more and better research in this neglected area of women’s health issues.

VINCENT M. RUE, co-director

Institute for Pregnancy Loss

Portsmouth, N.H.