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Sage Publications, an academic publisher, has retracted several studies that tied to a Texas judge's ruling to suspend federal approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. They retracted the studies after concerns over unreliable data and conflicts of interest came to light. These were because of the authors' ties to the anti-abortion movement.
Citing the Studies
One of the studies, conducted in 2021, concluded that emergency room visits were more likely after a medication abortion compared to a surgical abortion. US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk cited this study in his 2023 ruling. He argued that adverse events from medication abortion could overwhelm the medical system and place stress on doctors during emergencies.
Another study from 2022 suggested that medication abortion was more likely to result in emergency room visits for the surgical removal of "retained products of conception." The judge cited this study to imply that the number of adverse events from medication abortion drugs is likely underreported.
Retraction
The retraction decision by Sage Publications was made in collaboration with the journal's editor. They cited undeclared conflicts of interest and a lack of scientific rigor that rendered the authors' conclusions unreliable. The lead author had declared no conflicts of interest upon submission. However, subsequent investigation revealed affiliations with pro-life advocacy organizations. These included the Charlotte Lozier Institute, Elliot Institute, and American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
A reader raised concerns to Sage after the 2021 study was published. Independent experts, upon review, concluded that the studies demonstrated a lack of scientific rigor and presented misleading conclusions.
Impact
The retracted studies played a role in legal decisions related to mifepristone. The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments about the abortion pill in March. The drug, which is the first medication in a medical abortion, remains available without additional restrictions until the appeals process concludes.
Medication abortion is the most common form of abortion in the US. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that it is highly safe and effective.
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