Impact of Abortion Restrictions on Women’s Health and Medical CareImpact of Abortion Restrictions on Women’s Health and Medical Care In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, states like North Carolina have enacted laws that severely limit access to abortion. This has had a profound impact on women’s health and the medical care they receive. Reduced Access to Abortion Most notably, the law in North Carolina bans abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, a time when many women are unaware they are pregnant. This has forced women to travel out of state or resort to unsafe procedures to seek abortion care. Compromised Pre-Natal Care The restrictions on abortion have also made it more difficult for women to receive early and comprehensive pre-natal care. Many doctors are hesitant to provide certain types of care, such as fertility treatments or contraception, out of fear of legal repercussions. This can delay diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy-related health issues, potentially endangering the well-being of both mother and child. Increased Stigma and Shame The restrictions have also created a stigma around abortion, leading women to feel ashamed or guilty for seeking the procedure. This can discourage them from accessing pre-natal care or support services, further compromising their health. Impact on Medical Professionals The restrictions have put medical professionals in a difficult position. Doctors who provide abortion care risk legal consequences, while those who refuse to provide it may face ethical dilemmas. This tension can strain provider-patient relationships and create barriers to accessing essential healthcare. Conclusion The abortion restrictions in North Carolina have had a devastating impact on women’s health and the medical care they receive. Reduced access to abortion, compromised pre-natal care, increased stigma, and strain on medical professionals have all contributed to a less safe and equitable healthcare system. It is crucial for policymakers to reconsider these restrictions and prioritize the health and well-being of women.
It has now been two years since the U.S. Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion care, and since then numerous states—including North Carolina—have moved quickly to end or severely restrict access to abortion. In 2023, Republican state lawmakers in Raleigh passed a law banning abortion after age 12e week of pregnancy and imposes a number of additional, burdensome restrictions on early-stage abortions.
What has been the effect of these changes – both on women’s health and on the antenatal care they receive and on the health professionals who try to provide that care? Recently, NC Newsline spoke with one of the state’s most knowledgeable experts in the field, Duke Health OB/GYN Dr. Beverly Gray, to find out.
