Exploring the Women Most Impacted by Abortion Bans: Real Stories and Challenges

A new study reveals that abortion bans significantly impacted birth rates, particularly among marginalized groups following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The report shows an average increase of 2.8% in births in states with restrictions compared to expected rates, with Black women facing a 3.2% rise and Hispanic women 3.8%. Access barriers primarily affected women without college degrees and those living far from clinics, as distances grew from 50 to 300 miles. While overall abortion numbers have since surged, indicating unmet demand, many women faced challenges accessing care. Experts stress that some individuals were “trapped by bans,” highlighting the ongoing disparities in reproductive healthcare access across the nation.