The Mental Health Implications of Roe v. Wade Being Overturned

The overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24th, 2022 resulted in mixed reactions throughout the country. The ruling was celebrated by pro-life activists while others viewed it as backpedaling women’s rights. While the pro-life activists see this as a battle won, several health experts say that the ruling will lead to a host of devastating physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and financial consequences.

The Physical/Emotional Violence Factor

A fear related to the overturning of Roe v. Wade relates to the potential for an uptick in both physical and emotional violence targeting the pregnant individual.  There is a risk that a lack of choices for unwanted pregnancies may trigger anger and / or violent outbursts in the partner. If abortion is not a part of the reproductive healthcare option, the chances of violence perpetrated by the partner, or potentially the family members and society will increase significantly.

The Maternal Mental Health Factor

Before we can discuss the negative mental health consequences of being denied an abortion, we must first consider the mental health consequences of the pregnancy itself. Pregnancies that are healthy and desired can lead to a host of conflicting emotional reactions, as women are grappling with changes in hormones, their bodies, their life trajectory as well as the fears, concerns, hopes and dreams that come along with a new baby. However, some of these pregnancies may be the result of a sexual assault, abusive relationships or incest, in which case, the woman may also be suffering from trauma. If the fetus is medically unwell, or if the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s life, these emotions may be further compounded by feelings of fear and grief. Unplanned pregnancies can also be triggering, as the mother is likely to feel shocked, disappointed, or in a state of disbelief.

Considering options regarding the pregnancy is emotionally heavy. Post-Roe v. Wade, there are limits to female bodily autonomy in many states. Not having bodily autonomy increases feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression, and research shows a connection between lack of bodily autonomy and a tendency to self-harm. If forced to continue with an unwanted pregnancy, anxiety, depression as well as comorbid mental health disorders are likely to develop, which can ultimately affect the mental health of the newborn child as well. Maternal depression also prevents the pregnant mother from being attached to the child. This is likely to subsequently cause learning and emotional difficulties for the child later in life.

The Maternal Death Factor

Pregnancies can be dangerous, with over 861 women dying due to maternal causes in the US every year. Most maternal deaths can be prevented with timely and safe abortions. However, with abortion access being limited, there is likely to be a surge in maternal death. Statistics show that people of color will suffer more, since the maternal death rate for non-Hispanic black women is already 2.9 times higher than the non-Hispanic white women.

The Socio-Economic Factor

With so many financial and logistical barriers preventing women in certain states from getting an abortion, many will keep pregnancies that they are not emotionally or financially equipped for. Those with lower socioeconomic status will be affected more, as they are less likely to be able to afford to travel to another state to obtain an abortion. Additionally, the lack of social support structures in place, such as universal paid parental leave and child-care coverage, will only further exacerbate the economic hardship.

There is already a strong relationship between financial well-being and mental health. The resulting financial implications of restricted abortion access will likely cause an additional strain on mental health.

The Moral Factor

Lastly, the ripple effects of this ruling can lead to a point where abortions are not just viewed to be illegal, but immoral as well. The ruling will further perpetuate the stigma around abortions. This will equally impact the emotional health of both those who need an abortion as well as those who have had one in the past.