From UW School of Public Health researchers

There are the short and long-term health, social, economic, and psychological impacts of being denied a wanted abortion. A large body of research from the Turnaway study has shown that people who were denied a wanted abortion experienced elevated levels of anxiety and stress; increases in poverty, debt, and evictions; and their existing children had worse child development outcomes compared to children of people who received an abortion.

The US has one of the highest maternal morbidity and mortality rates among higher-income countries. Restricting abortion access can substantially make this situation worse. While abortion is generally a safe procedure, abortion restrictions can lead to unsafe abortions that are complicated, contributing to higher maternal morbidity and mortality. The restrictions and barriers pregnant people face in pursuit of an abortion can delay critical prenatal care, particularly for unintended pregnancies that constitute 40-50% of pregnancies.  

Ample evidence exists for the importance of prenatal care in preventing pregnancy complications and improving pregnancy outcomes. Several studies have shown that states with more restrictive abortion policies have higher maternal mortality and weaker policies and services that support the health and well-being of pregnant people, such as prenatal care.  

Finally, any limitation to abortion and reproductive services will impact communities of color very hard and significantly accelerate the already significant racial/ethnic disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality.