Two years in a post- Dobbs world: clinical, social and professional consequences

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Public Health Policy
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• The Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.
• This ruling has led to immediate and widespread changes in abortion access across the United States.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing research on the consequences of overturning Roe v. Wade.
• To explore the impact of the Dobbs decision on both patients seeking abortions and healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review article, synthesizing current research findings.
• It examines clinical, social, and professional perspectives on the effects of abortion bans.

Main Results:

• Fourteen states have enacted total abortion bans, with seven more imposing severe restrictions.
• Consequences include increased maternal mortality, higher demand for contraception, reduced access to medications like methotrexate, and fewer applications to OB/GYN training programs.
• Approximately 18 million individuals now reside in areas with highly restricted or no abortion access.

Conclusions:

• Abortion restrictions have far-reaching implications for public health and clinical care beyond pregnancy termination.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects on healthcare practices and societal norms.