Behind the Warning Label: 10 Reasons Why Our Medical System Makes Healthy Women Sick By National Women’s Health Network

1. The highest rate of surgery in the world! Congressional reports revealed 250,000 unnecessary hysterectomies last year – 1 out of every 3.
2. Breast cancer strikes 1 in every 13 women – yet survival rates have not improved since 1930.
3. Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and 8 other industrial nations have lower maternal and infant death rates than the U.S.
4. Birth control pills and IUDs which first appeared as “breakthroughs” have proved life threatening to thousands of women.
5. Forced sterilization of poor, Hispanic, Black, and Native American women continues in America today
6. Each year thousands of women develop endometrial cancer from taking menopausal estrogen drugs they don’t need.
7. 30 million American women are regular users of potent tranquilizers and antidepressants.
8. 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.
9. If you live in a rural community, you may not be able to find adequate medical care at all.
10. 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