On June 24th, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade and eliminated federal protection for abortion care. The landmark Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision rolled back access to abortion healthcare and its effects are being felt nationwide. Research from The Turnaway Study shows that when people are unable to get wanted abortions, there are profound risks to their health and economic security as well as a shift in the trajectory of their lives, with negative effects on their relationships, aspirational plans, and the wellbeing of their children. The End of Roe Study launched in 2022 and examines the impact of Dobbs on abortion seekers in states with bans and severe restrictions.
Study Aims
Study Design
Since June 2022, the study team has been working with clinics, abortion access call centers, informational websites, and maternal-fetal medicine providers to invite pregnant people from affected states to participate. To be eligible, participants must be at least 15 years old, speak English or Spanish, and have access to a computer or smartphone to complete surveys online. After completing an initial survey, participants are invited to complete follow-up surveys every two months for two years.
Implications
Documenting the consequences of current abortion bans is critical for producing the evidence needed to overturn laws that harm people’s health and wellbeing. This study will establish the facts, capture people’s stories, and contribute to the ongoing public discourse surrounding abortion care and the policy conversations that will be vitally important at the state and federal levels.