Living in a world without Roe V Wade
A whirlwind of emotions swept across the country as the U.S. supreme court recently struck down the case of Roe v Wade, the landmark decision guaranteeing federal protection of abortion rights. This development sets a legal precedent that allows the state to regulate what women do with their bodies and, by doing so, sets women's rights decades back. With the case of Roe v Wade overturned, we consider the future of abortion health care in the U.S. and its potential to affect women's mental health across the nation.
The Impact of Overturning Roe v Wade
When abortion was legal, it was still a mental health stressor. The mental side effects of abortion have been a subject of consideration for years. Now, whether you’re pro-choice or not, the uncertainty that the court’s recent decision presents for the future of women in America is distressing.
Research has shown that restricting abortion access has detrimental physical and mental health consequences. Scientific Organizations have submitted numerous pieces of evidence to the court showing that access to abortion is a significant part of reproductive health care.
Prior studies have also outlined the aftermath of denying women abortion, including situations that could adversely impact their mental well-being like increased poverty, a poorer credit score, a higher chance of partner violence, and a higher likelihood of single motherhood. For this reason, prominent medical associations like American Psychiatric Association have opposed the supreme court's abortion decision. The American Psychological Association has also stressed that it will increase stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological feelings of low self-esteem, shame, stigmatized grief, intrusive thoughts, and isolation from family, friends, and religious groups. This feeling could lead to maternal depression, which psychologically could cause a ripple effect on the baby.
Accordingly, this recent development has heightened the fears of people about being judged in society, thinking now that abortion is illegal, they will not only be seen as irresponsible but also as a criminal. Even for women who are not pregnant yet, the realization that, to a large extent, they have lost the right to do as they wish to their bodies could spark anxiety. Women will be forced to carry a pregnancy to term or travel far at great expenses to obtain an abortion. The possibility that some will become susceptible to dangerous black market procedures is startling.
The effects of this decision also insinuate that victims of sexual abuse would be compelled to have the child of their perpetrators.
How does Roe V Wade affect black women?
It is reported that black people will largely bear the brunt of this decision being the most significant proportion of any racial group to receive abortion care. Experts envision this decision will affect low-income people, and about one-quarter of this population in the United States are Blacks. Health Professionals also expressed concerns about the effect of abortion decisions on black women, stating that it will raise the already appalling percentages of maternal mortality in Black women.
The far-reaching repercussions of the Roe v Wade reversal are still largely unknown. Still, these additional hurdles to seeking abortion care will affect women of all reproductive ages regardless of their race and status.
It affects men too
While extensive information on the effects of abortion access on women, its impact on men is rarely discussed. Although abortion is a healthcare issue for women, and they have all the right to decide what happens to their bodies, male partners are privies to relationships and benefit from abortion rights. This development could also threaten intimacy in relationships. More men need to recognize their complicity in this situation and act as allies to women. Like women, countless men have avoided unwanted parenthood because their sexual partners were able to obtain an abortion. This is not an attempt to shift the conversation from women but to incite men to support women's bodily autonomy.
How to cope in a world without Roe V. Wade
If you're feeling angry, anxious, or overwhelmed regarding the Roe v wade news, you are not alone. Millions of women have just had their abortion rights stripped away. The decision significantly backtracks the acceleration of reproductive freedom in the United States. However, until we find ways to bypass the effects of this law, let's consider women's choice now that abortion is illegal, especially as it concerns safeguarding your mental health.
Stay informed
In a world where constitutional abortion rights have been overturned, and reproductive right is restricted, it is essential to stay informed. With Roe v wade repealed, deciding on abortion rights is left to individual states. Stay updated on the status of abortion laws in your state. I would recommend consulting resources that provide the latest information regarding the availability of abortion care in different states across the country.
2. Protect Your Reproductive Health
Enlighten yourself on reproductive health safety, effective birth control, and the means to access these resources. This situation should prompt sexually active individuals to be more conscious about protecting their reproductive health. Although we can’t dispute the downside that the use of contraceptives is fallible with cases of women getting pregnant despite being on the pill or after having an IUD inserted. Aside from this, young people and people with low income have limited access to contraceptive measures.
Also, share this information with the youth, both young men and women. Empower them with crucial information. With the mental health crisis ravaging the nation, engaging them regularly creates a sense of trust and support.
3. Seek Mental Health Support
In these uncertain times, it is essential to seek mental health support, If you're experiencing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or resurfacing past traumas due to abortion bans in the U.S and its potential consequences. You should ask questions and share your concerns in a safe space.
Take Action
It is not far-fetched to feel powerless as your body autonomy is undermined. And there are numerous opportunities to take action, whether by donating to abortion access funds, volunteering at clinics, or simply amplifying your voice. Getting involved can positively impact your mental health. Now more than ever, as women and as a nation, we need to be there for one another.
To learn more about ways to take care of your mental health, contact Camille at camille@diversifiedtherapyla.com
