Minutes from Hearing on June 16, 2010 in Frankfort KY

Hysterectomy Alternatives and After Effects (My testimony before the House, House and Welfare Committee in Frankfort KY on June 16, 2010)

Robin Karr stated that changes need to be made to the informed consent laws pertaining to hysterectomy that will truly inform and educate women in regard to the functions of the female sex organs throughout their lives and the consequences of them being removed. By the age of 60, approximately one-third of all American women have had a hysterectomy. In the South, women are 50 percent more likely to have a hysterectomy than in any other part of the country. Hysterectomy is the number one unnecessary surgery being performed in America today. According to Ms. Karr, the surgery generates billions of dollars for gynecologists and drug companies, but the devastation to women, society, and the health care system is beyond measure. Today, it is estimated that less than one percent of hysterectomies are performed for gynecological cancers. Several published articles state that a hysterectomy, especially ovary removal, can cause heart disease, bone loss, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss. She suggested that a video be presented to every woman who has been told she needs a hysterectomy that would contain the information needed to make an informed decision about hysterectomy and its consequences and the available alternatives. Information provided by Ms. Karr is included in the meeting folder in the LRC Library.

Senator Carroll made a motion, seconded by Representative Glenn, and approved by voice vote that the information provided by Ms. Karr be forwarded to the Department for Public Health, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, for its response and requested information be sent to the committee about Kentucky’s informed consent laws as they relate to hysterectomy procedures.

Please contact Rep. Tom Burch, Sen. Julian Carroll or Rep. Glenn and tell them how you feel about what is happening to women in America via Hysterectomy and Castration. In 1985, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it contituted 'cruel and unusual punishment' to surgically castrate child molesters and rapists. Yet, American GYN's surgically castrate over half a million women a year; women who have committed no crime. Please speak out against this horrific injustice. Don't be silent about things that really matter.