By overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court made it harder for women to have an abortion. But even the court couldn’t have foreseen another side effect that may cost everyone in the long run. Here’s what’s happening.
Pregnancy Horror Stories
Ever since Roe v. Wade went by the wayside in 2022, women have been telling horror stories about their efforts to get proper maternal care.
Not Allowed Here
In some states, for instance, some life-saving procedures can no longer be performed because of they are technically classed as “abortions,” even though members of the public wouldn’t necessarily think that to be the case.
State Put Her in Danger
A young Idaho woman infamously documented her struggles with a troubled pregnancy on TikTok.
Because of the state’s abortion laws, she wasn’t able to have the D & C procedure she desperately needed.
Thousands of Bad Trips
And that’s just one story among thousands, which range from other medical emergencies left untreated to harrowing journeys across state or national lines to seek an abortion.
Deadly Side Effect
But as terrifying as the current landscape can be for expectant mothers, moving abortion laws back into the hands of individual states has had another effect.
The Courts Didn’t See It Coming
It’s surely an unintended consequence of the SCOTUS ruling, but one that could change the United States forever.
Young Women Spoke Out
Recently, Lauren Leader from All in Together reported on a poll conducted by the women’s civic education nonprofit.
The goal was to get a handle on how women were feeling about motherhood in the months since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
They Had a Secret to Tell
Among women in the 18-39 age range, a whopping 34 percent had a frightening admission to make as part of the survey.
No Babies for Them
These women said that either they or someone they knew had decided not to get pregnant because of the uncertainty around prenatal care.
Without Roe v. Wade, they don’t feel safe.
They’ve Seen Bad Things
This isn’t just some knee-jerk reaction, either.
These women have seen some bad stuff in the last 18 months or so.
Pregnancy Is Dangerous
Nearly a quarter of the young people who responded to the survey said they knew of a woman who had trouble getting help during an emergency situation while pregnant since the SCOTUS decision.
The U.S. Could Suffer Forever
The long term consequences for the United States could be dire, Leader warns.
Long-Term Decline
Birth rates began falling after 9/11 until a brief post-pandemic boom gave the baby watchers hope that the U.S. population could turn things around.
Anti-Abortion Laws Killed Recovery
But, according to the Brookings Institution, those birth rates are falling again.
The turning point seems to be the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Who Will Pay?
That’s bad news for the older, larger generations who need new workers to carry the tax burden as they themselves age out of the workforce.
After all, someone has to pay for Social Security, right?
She Has the Inside Scoop
Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson isn’t surprised by the downward trend.
She has a more graphic view of the struggles women have had since Roe v. Wade got nixed than most.
Women Aren’t Safe
“Abortion bans make pregnancy less safe,” McGill Johnson said.
Ironic Consequences for Conservatives
And when women don’t feel safe even getting pregnant, is it any wonder they just decide to skip the hassle?
Even the Supreme Court couldn’t have seen that one coming.
The post Increasing Number of Women Opting Out of Pregnancy, Surprising Reasons Revealed first appeared on Pulse of Pride
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