Clinic offers free abortions in wake of Katrina

updated 9:13 a.m. ET Sept. 28, 2005

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A doctor has offered to perform free abortions on hurricane evacuees, saying it may be too dangerous for them to wait until they return home.

Despite protests from abortion opponents, Little Rock Family Planning clinic director Dr. Jerry Edwards said he has already performed six free abortions. The clinic usually charges between $525 and $600 for a first-trimester abortion.

“If we didn’t provide it now, they would get it later — a late-term abortion that would give greater risk to the mother’s health,” Edwards told KTHV-TV in Little Rock.

Edwards, who runs the only abortion clinic in central Arkansas, was unavailable for further comment Tuesday, a clinic employee told The Associated Press.

Rose Mimms, executive director of Arkansas Right to Life, said Edwards is risking further traumatizing women who have already lost their material belongings. “This just adds to the devastation these women already have in their lives,” she said.

But Marvin Schwartz, spokesman for Arkansas-Oklahoma Planned Parenthood, said Edwards is providing women with a needed service.

“The timing of the abortion procedure is, of course, extremely critical. The earlier in the pregnancy, the less critical it is,” he said.

MORE FROM WOMEN'S HEALTH

Women's health Section Front

AIDS is top cause of death for young women How to get more time with your doctor What are the 10 healthiest cities for women? Twin study reveals secrets to looking younger Nearly half abortions around globe are unsafe   Primary caregivers sacrifice own health Sore breasts a warning with hormone therapy ‘Red watch’ friends don't let pals drink and die The Pill makes women pick ‘dad’ — not the ‘cad’ Chip measures breast estrogen with just a poke Women's health Section Front   Add Women's health headlines to your news reader: