One of the key takeaways from the tumultuous Covid-19 pandemic is the critical need for trustworthy doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. We must listen to their guidance, trust their expertise, and support them in their roles. However, when we encounter those few practitioners who betray the ethical promises made in medical school, it’s essential to hold them accountable to prevent further harm.
Unfortunately, there have been instances of anti-mask and anti-vaccine “doctors” making headlines for their outrageous actions, such as falsifying vaccination records and spreading misinformation about vaccines. Thankfully, these irresponsible behaviors are uncommon, but they pose a significant risk nonetheless.
This issue extends beyond the pandemic; it also permeates women’s health, particularly in obstetrics where some professionals—like Byron Calhoun from Charleston, West Virginia—allow their anti-abortion beliefs to interfere with the standard care expected of them. Calhoun, the only high-risk OB/GYN in central West Virginia, has publicly stated that abortion is never a necessary procedure to save a mother’s life. An article from The Lily, a sub-publication of The Washington Post, emphasizes this alarming claim.
At a 2019 anti-abortion conference in Canada, Calhoun was introduced as a “messenger of God,” which is hardly surprising given the intersection of religious beliefs and medical ethics in his practice. He likens his mission to that of biblical figures, asserting he is “called” to fight for the lives of the unborn, rather than providing essential medical advice to women facing high-risk pregnancies. This approach is deeply concerning, especially considering the power he holds as the only specialist of his kind in the region.
Many other healthcare providers are wary of referring patients to Dr. Calhoun due to his controversial reputation. This leaves women in need of specialized care with few options, often requiring them to travel long distances for treatment that should be accessible locally.
Dr. Calhoun’s history includes a 2016 lawsuit accusing him of refusing to perform an amniocentesis requested by a patient. The tests he did conduct were inconclusive and arrived too late for the patient to make an informed choice about her pregnancy. He has been openly dismissive of women seeking abortions, suggesting they consult the yellow pages for alternatives.
His treatment of patients has been criticized for providing false hope in dire situations. For instance, Hayley Green, a former patient, was told her unborn baby had a terminal condition. Instead of providing compassionate guidance, Calhoun claimed he would arrange for specialized care hours away and even suggested chartering a helicopter if complications arose. When the time came, however, no helicopter arrived, and tragically, the baby died shortly after birth.
Similar stories have surfaced, such as that of Brooklynn South, a high school senior whose baby was diagnosed with a fatal condition. Dr. Calhoun encouraged her to continue the pregnancy, misleading her about the risks involved. Sadly, the baby passed away shortly after birth, further illustrating the dangers of his approach.
Despite this troubling track record, many women have described Dr. Calhoun’s care as nurturing. He has been known to send flowers after births, yet this facade of kindness does not mask the misinformation he propagates regarding the risks of abortions and high-risk pregnancies.
Experts in maternal-fetal medicine have condemned his practices, highlighting the necessity of providing truthful, unbiased medical counseling. The reality is that women deserve comprehensive information about their health options, particularly when high-risk scenarios arise.
Dr. Calhoun’s influence extends into medical education, where he teaches residents at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, raising concerns about the impact of his ideology on future healthcare providers.
In summary, the practices of Byron Calhoun are alarming and pose real dangers to women seeking care. It’s vital to ensure that future generations of OB/GYNs are educated with a foundation of integrity and truth, rather than influenced by the damaging rhetoric of individuals like Calhoun.
For more insights on home insemination, check out this related blog post. If you’re looking for authoritative information, Make a Mom offers excellent resources on this topic, as does Science Daily, which covers a range of pregnancy-related subjects.
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