- The highest rate of surgery in the world! Congressional reports revealed 250,000 unnecessary hysterectomies last year – 1 out of every 3.
- Breast cancer strikes 1 in every 13 women – yet survival rates have not improved since 1930.
- Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and 8 other industrial nations have lower maternal and infant death rates than the U.S.
- Birth control pills and IUDs which first appeared as “breakthroughs” have proved life threatening to thousands of women.
- Forced sterilization of poor, Hispanic, Black, and Native American women continues in America today
- Each year thousands of women develop endometrial cancer from taking menopausal estrogen drugs they don’t need.
- 30 million American women are regular users of potent tranquilizers and antidepressants.
- Women over 65 suffer from diabetes, bone fractures, arthritis and malnutrition more so than men. Yet little research is done on older women’s health needs.
- If you live in a rural community, you may not be able to find adequate medical care at all.
- 10% of your family income may be spent on needless x-rays, surgery and medication. By 1985 an average day’s stay in the hospital will cost $400.
Reprinted from National Women’s Health Network, 224 Seventh St. S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003
