In July 2024, a study published in Science Advances examined the mental health impact of increased abortion restrictions following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision. This Supreme Court ruling shifted the regulation of abortion to state legislatures, prompting various states to enact stricter laws.
The study analyzed data from the National Household Pulse Survey over two years, comprising 21 survey waves with more than 60,000 respondents per wave. It found that these new gestational restrictions and bans correlated with elevated levels of mental distress, particularly affecting individuals of lower socioeconomic status.
The research highlighted a significant increase in self-reported mental health issues, amounting to approximately a 3% relative rise from a pre-Dobbs baseline of 18% to 26%. This finding underscores the profound impact of legislative changes on mental well-being across different demographic groups.
Despite variations by gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, and race, individuals with lower incomes and less education consistently reported more severe mental health effects.
The decision’s broader societal implications are evident as 21 states have implemented abortion bans or stricter gestational limits since Dobbs. This legal shift has disrupted women’s reproductive care choices, often forcing them to navigate complex emotional, social, and legal landscapes.
The study suggests that such sudden changes in abortion access can exacerbate stress and anxiety, particularly among those least able to afford additional costs associated with out-of-state travel or unexpected pregnancies.
While the study sheds light on these mental health consequences, the exact mechanisms behind why socioeconomic status plays such a crucial role remain unclear. Speculatively, financial stress related to unplanned pregnancies or abortion access could disproportionately impact individuals with limited economic means.
Additionally, previous research such as The Turnaway Study has shown similar mental health declines among women denied abortions due to gestational limits, complementing the current findings.
Looking forward, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of how abortion policies affect diverse subgroups within the population. As more states consider restrictive measures and federal policies remain uncertain, continued research is essential to inform public health and policy decisions regarding reproductive rights and mental health support.
