PRESS RELEASE
Sunday 16th October, 2005
Family Life Praises Dr's Contraception Decision
The bold and important decision of Dr Joseph Hassan to cease prescribing contraceptives to his patients is to be praised
Catholic pro-life and family organisation, Family Life International, commends the stand taken by Nelson GP, Dr Joseph
Hassan, to stop prescribing contraceptives to his patients.
In July of this year the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a division of the World Health Organization
(WHO), declared that they rate the combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives as a Group 1 carcinogen.
A Group 1 rating is the highest classification of carcinogenicity, used only "when there is sufficient evidence of
carcinogenicity in humans." (Emphasis theirs)
Combined estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives are the most commonly prescribed forms of contraceptives. According to
the IARC "worldwide, more than 100 million women - about 10% of all women of reproductive age - currently use combined
hormonal contraceptives."
It has also been well documented that most oral contraceptives are abortifacient in nature, which means that they
actually chemically abort a newly conceived child rather that preventing the conception of a child from occurring.
Dr Hassan is to be praised for his bold and important action, which shows true respect and holistic concern for the
health and wellbeing of his female patients and a great respect for the sanctity of all human life.
Our hope is that other medical professionals will be encouraged by the example of Dr Hassan, and take a stand to cease
promoting contraception to their patients as well.
ENDS