For the study, the researchers analyzed the results of a survey
of 273 family physicians and obstetricians in Ontario. The
survey showed that 36% of the doctors estimated the risk of a
major fetal malformation from abdominal X-rays to be 5% or
greater, and 55% estimated the risk from CT to be 5% or greater.
Of the 208 family physicians, 1% recommended abortion if the
fetus was exposed to radiation from X-rays, and 6% after
exposure to radiation from CT. Of the 65 obstetricians, none
recommended an abortion after exposure to radiation from X-rays,
but 5% recommended an abortion after exposure to radiation from
CT. Overall, a greater percentage of family physicians
overestimated the risk as compared to obstetricians. According
to the study, the dosage of radiation, measured in milligrays
(mGy), determines whether there is interference with the normal
development of a fetus. Adverse fetal affects from radiation
exposure include small head, mental retardation, or fatal
childhood conditions. The study states that