SSN Commentary

Constitutional Amendment Would Protect the Health and Wellbeing for Everyone Seeking an Abortion

Policy field

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The Roux Institute

Originally published in The Bangor Daily News on February 6, 2024.

Since the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision overturning Roe v. Wade, we have seen countless stories of people in states where abortion is heavily restricted having to travel to other states to access abortion. We have also seen cases of women being denied life-saving medical care during a miscarriage, and having to wait until they are gravely ill to receive any kind of abortion procedure, with potential long-term physical consequences.

Abortion is integral to health and well-being. Research shows being denied an abortion can lead to poorer physical health in the future. An abortion is the medical care a person needs when a pregnancy is threatening their health. Furthermore, the data  show that an estimated 1 in 4 women will have an abortion in their lifetime, demonstrating how common it is (these numbers do not include transgender and nonbinary people who also have abortions). Yet studies have shown that for many, the time and financial burden to cover travel, child care and missed work can prevent someone from getting an abortion.