Obese and female? Too bad.

A disturbing Sun Sentinel article has been making the rounds this week:

Fifteen obstetrics-gynecology practices out of 105 polled by the Sun Sentinel said they have set weight cut-offs for new patients starting at 200 pounds or based on measures of obesity — and turn down women who are heavier.

Some of the doctors said the main reason was their exam tables or other equipment can’t handle people over a certain weight. But at least six said they were trying to avoid obese patients because they have a higher risk of complications.

In other words, the women and unborn babies who are most in need of a doctor are the ones who are being turned away.

Secular Pro-Life fully supports the right of physicians to refuse a particular service— such as abortion– on grounds of conscience. But should they be able to turn down particular patients on the basis of things like weight? The state of the law is unclear.

Happily, pro-life pregnancy resource centers and clinics are committed to caring for all women who come through their doors. I hope private practice ob/gyns will follow their example.

[Side note: I tried to determine whether or not the ob/gyns mentioned in the article perform abortions, but did not come up with any information. If you know, please share in the comments.]