Leader of the Government in the Senate Eric Abetz has met with widespread derision for “irresponsible” comments linking breast cancer with abortion.

Responding to a question on Channel 10’s The Project, Senator Abetz cited historic studies that supported the link.

“I think the studies, and I think they date back from the 1950s, assert that there is a link between abortion and breast cancer,” he said.

• Watch: George Brandis’ embarrassing interview

Twitter erupted with criticism of the minister following the television interview (see a selection of tweets below).

Members of the medical community have also spoken out against the Senator Abetz’s comments.

In an interview with Fairfax, Australian Medical Association president Dr Brian Owler joined the condemnation.

“If he’s quoting papers from the 1950s, I suspect that’s where he’s living,” Dr Owler said.

“I think it’s really irresponsible for people to be using their own ideology and projecting it on, particularly women.”

Sorry, I can’t see the medical or scientific qualification letters after Eric Abetz’s name because yeah nah

— Blue Lotus Science (@scienceupulie) August 7, 2014

Eric Abetz continues a proud tradition of old white men without medical degrees telling women what’s best for their bodies. #auspol

— David Lawrance (@davidlawrance) August 7, 2014

Somewhere, George Brandis is quietly thanking the universe for Eric Abetz. — Josephine Tovey (@Jo_Tovey) August 7, 2014