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Adolescent Hospital Visits for Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes After the Dobbs Decision
Christina Bonaparte1, Matt Hall2, Cheryl L Errichetti3
1University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.
Hospital Pediatrics
|July 16, 2026
Summary
Following the Dobbs decision, adolescents in abortion-restricted states saw a 26% rise in pregnancy diagnoses. Sexual and reproductive health services, including STI testing and emergency contraception, declined in these areas.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Reproductive Health Policy
Background:
- The Dobbs decision significantly altered the landscape of reproductive healthcare in the United States.
- Adolescents may face unique challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services following changes in abortion policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the Dobbs decision on adolescent SRH-related hospital encounters.
- To compare these changes based on state abortion policies.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed pediatric hospital encounters for patients aged 11-18 across 42 children's hospitals nationwide.
- Interrupted time series analysis was used to assess SRH outcomes (pregnancy, STI testing/diagnosis, emergency contraception, abortion) before and after the Dobbs decision.
Main Results:
- In abortion-restricted states, pregnancy diagnoses increased by 26% post-Dobbs (OR, 1.26).
- Encounters for STI testing, STI diagnoses, and emergency contraception decreased in restricted states post-Dobbs.
- In permissive states, pregnancy encounters slightly increased post-Dobbs, while STI trends remained stable.
Conclusions:
- The Dobbs decision is associated with increased odds of pregnancy-related encounters and decreased SRH services for adolescents in abortion-restricted states.
- Targeted interventions are necessary to address the disproportionate risks faced by youth in these states.
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