New Guttmacher Institute Survey Reveals Widespread Impact of Abortion Bans
The recent Supreme Court decision has had a significant impact on abortion access in several U.S. states. A new survey by the Guttmacher Institute, a non-profit organization focused on reproductive health, shows just how critical the ruling was.
The survey discovered that out of the 79 clinics that once offered abortion services, 66 were forced to close or significantly limit their operations in the 15 states that enacted comprehensive abortion bans or have clinics close to their borders.
Tragically, a third of those clinics (26) have shut down entirely. The remaining 40 clinics continue to operate but now offer different services, such as distributing contraceptives, conducting routine women's health exams, or scheduling appointments abroad for those forced to travel out-of-state for abortions.
Unfortunately, the situation is severely uneven. All 13 clinics still in operation and providing abortions in the survey are located in Georgia, where abortions are now only legal up to the sixth week of pregnancy.
This means that there are no abortion providers in 14 out of the 15 impacted states, according to Rachel Jones, the Guttmacher Institute's leading research scientist.
"Many people who need an abortion will attempt to leave their state to obtain one if they can, but many cannot," Jones said.
The 22 million women of reproductive age and others who may not identify as female but can become pregnant live in these 15 states. This implies that nearly 30% of U.S. women of reproductive age live in states where abortions are either illegal or heavily restricted, the report states.
According to the report, almost 126,000 abortions were performed in these 15 states in 2020. Georgia saw its annual surgical volume increase by almost 42,000 in this time.
The survey included the following 15 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Indiana and Ohio, two states that have passed restrictions on abortion, were not included in the survey because a legal challenge temporarily halted their bans.
Many other states have yet to decide on abortion restrictions or bans, although it is expected that they will soon follow suit.
"Guttmacher estimates that up to 26 states will eventually ban abortion," Jones said. "Regrettably, the situation appears to be worsening."
As a result of these closures, the impacts extend far beyond these 15 states. In states where abortion remains legal, there is an influx of people seeking services, putting a strain on clinics in states often called 'safe-haven' states.
Abortion is, in general, a safe procedure, but if delayed too long, the risks increase for the patient. Delays can also increase the cost of the surgery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that failing to obtain an abortion can have significant negative psychological effects on a woman.
Enrichment Data
The consequences of these clinic closures are far-reaching and affect many aspects of life for individuals seeking abortion services. Here is a closer look at the various effects:
- Reduced Access to Abortion Services:
- The closure of abortion clinics in states with strict abortion bans significantly limits access to abortion services for those living in those states. This can result in a substantial number of people traveling to other states to obtain abortion care, leading to increased costs and logistical challenges, especially for those with limited financial resources.
- Increased Travel Costs and Barriers:
- People seeking abortions are often required to travel to neighboring states or further away, incurring significant travel expenses for transportation, lodging, and missed work days. This can be particularly challenging for individuals with lower incomes or those residing in rural areas.
- Emotional and Psychological Stress:
- The process of seeking an abortion in a state with restrictive laws can be emotionally and psychologically taxing. Enduring the stress of navigating complex legal systems, finding providers, and dealing with societal stigma can lead to long-term mental health issues for those seeking abortions.
- Impact on Healthcare Providers:
- Closures of abortion clinics also impact healthcare providers, who may be subject to legal and professional risks for offering abortion services. This can contribute to a shortage of trained providers willing to provide these services, making it more difficult for those seeking abortions to access care.
- Economic Consequences:
- The loss of reproductive health services can also have economic ramifications. Businesses in states with abortion bans may struggle to attract and retain top talent due to the restrictive climate, as many professionals are discouraged by the environment.
Safe-Harbor States
Safe-harbor states, such as New York, experience an influx of individuals seeking abortion services from states with restrictive laws. These states:
- Provide Sanctuary for Reproductive Healthcare:
- States like New York have legislated to protect reproductive healthcare providers and ensure that women can receive abortion services without fear of prosecution or harassment.
- Expand Telehealth Services:
- New York has expanded its telehealth shield law to protect physicians offering abortion services, allowing them to continue their essential work without the fear of personal prosecution.
- Allocate Additional Funding for Reproductive Health Services:
- New York has committed to distributing $25 million in funding for the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Fund, which aims to enhance abortion access and provide critical support to reproductive health providers.
- Champion Reproductive Justice:
- New York remains committed to reproductive justice, sending a strong message that it will continue to oppose those seeking to criminalize abortion and safeguard women's rights to make decisions about their own bodies and futures.
Overall, the consequences of clinic closures due to abortion bans in 15 U.S. states are substantial, leading to reduced access, higher costs, emotional stress, and economic repercussions. Safe-harbor states like New York work to provide sanctuary for reproductive healthcare, expand telehealth services, allocate additional funding for reproductive health services, and champion reproductive justice efforts.
