[Misinformation among physicians about dangers of fetal x-ray exposure]

A survey among 20 gynecologists and 86 family physicians and general practitioners revealed that only 46% (70% of the gynecologists and 41% of the others) knew that exposure of a pregnant woman to common diagnostic x-ray is not an indication for therapeutic abortion (the opinion of a consensus of experts). This lack of basic information by those who advise pregnant women points to a serious public health problem. Pregnant women are frightened, and in a sense abortions are "coerced" by increasing the unwarranted anxiety. It is incumbent upon individuals and institutions to ensure that physicians, nurses and others in the health professions be well-informed and not supply misinformation.