On June 24, 2022, Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision of the U.S Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States conferred the right to have an abortion, was overturned. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has officially removed the constitutional protection of women in regards to their right to access safe and regulated abortions in some states. The overturning has left the decision up to the individual states to decide whether or not they choose to criminalize abortion options for women. As of June 28, 2022, seven states have decided to officially criminalize and ban abortions, and it is anticipated that 18 other states will follow suit in the coming weeks. The overturn of Roe v. Wade holds a significant impact on women’s health nationwide.
How does the overturn of Roe v. Wade affect women’s health in Texas
The overturn of Roe v. Wade has a large-scale effect on women’s health and their reproductive freedom. Here in Texas, abortion if effectively banned from conception.
This article breaks down some of the ways in which the overturn of Roe v. Wade will affect women’s health in Texas and nationwide.
Denied access to safe and regulated abortion procedures
For women seeking a safe abortion in a state that has re-criminalized the procedure, they will now have to travel over state lines to a state that still provides an abortion. Unfortunately, not all women have the ability nor the money to travel long-distances for this type of medical care.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) has stated this ruling will not prevent women from getting abortions — it will just prevent women from having access to safe in-clinic abortions. According to the IPPF, in-clinic abortions are safe procedures that help millions of women around the world. Critical medical complications like sepsis,hemorrhage, pelvic organ injury, or toxic exposure will increase as some women may now attempt to end their pregnancies on their own.
American women’s access to health care
Traveling across state lines to seek an abortion can be costly. Because of this increased cost for women living in states that restrict abortions, many women will have to rely on unregulated and unsafe self-abortion techniques. Unfortunately, some of these techniques can lead to critical medical complications and injury.
According to International Citizens Insurance, American women can anticipate the following costs for an emergency trip to the hospital after a dangerous attempt at a self-managed abortion:
- $400 to $1200 (State dependent) on Ambulance Fee
- Between $1,000 – $20,000 for ER Visit
- Between $80 – $500 for Urgent Care
If a woman carries her pregnancy full-term, the cost of family planning could be as follows:
- Between $400 – $2,000 monthly for prenatal medications and care
- Between $2,700 – $40,000+ for labor and delivery
- Between $10,000 – $50,000 for an emergency cesarean section
- If complications arise post-delivery, costs in the NICU is $3,000 per day
Many women, and particularly those in marginalized communities, will not be able to afford medical care and may incur mass amounts of debt in order to cover these costs.
Forms of contraception available for women’s health
As the overturn of Roe v. Wade affects women’s health directly, it’s important for women to be aware of their options for contraception. The following are forms of contraception available for women:
Oral contraception
Oral contraception (birth control pill) is a hormonal pill taken daily that prevents a woman from ovulating. When taken correctly, the hormones from the pill inhibits the monthly release of the woman’s egg. Please reach out to your doctor if you are interested in learning more about oral contraception.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
A long-term contraception option for women is an intrauterine device (IUD). IUDs are a small, t-shaped device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy from taking place. IUDs come in both hormonal and non-hormonal options. Please reach out to your doctor if you are interested in learning more about IUDs.
The Patch
Women who do not want invasive or oral contraception may find interest in the patch. The patch is hormonal and it is placed on top of the skin. The hormones are released into the skin and prevent pregnancy. Please reach out to your doctor if you are interested in learning more the Patch.
Men’s responsibility
Though other forms of contraception for women exist, men play an integral role in both reproduction and contraception efforts. Men should play an integral role in advocating for women’s health.
The proper use of condoms is important when trying to prevent pregnancy from occurring. Additionally, men who do not wish to have children always have the option of a vasectomy. Vasectomies are reversible, though the longer it has been since the vasectomy, the less likely it is that the reversal will work.
The bottom line
It’s important for women to do their research for their options if they live in a restricted state. The overturn of Roe v. Wade has a significant impact on women’s health in Texas and nationwide.
Feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have in regards to women’s health or booking a pregnancy test.