The May 17 news article titled “Researchers Find Abortion Law Caused Dozens of Health Complications” highlights the detrimental impact on pregnant women’s health when Roe v. Wade is overturned. The article uncovers the increasing number of clinical complications that arise due to state-level abortion bans. However, the article fails to address the impact of these bans on people’s mental well-being, which is equally crucial.
Studies have shown that individuals face distress, anxiety, stress, and embarrassment when they are forced to travel long distances to receive abortion care. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case has tripled the travel distance required to reach abortion clinics, impacting the health and well-being of individuals seeking termination of pregnancy. Currently, Brigid Alliance customers travel an average of 1,300 miles round trip to access abortion care, facing financial and logistical obstacles along the way.
Brigid Alliance exists to provide comprehensive support to those traveling to access abortion care to ease the emotional burden they experience. Still, until abortion becomes affordable and accessible to everyone, individuals’ physical and mental well-being will continue to suffer. As the Interim Executive Director of the Brigid Alliance, I emphasize the need for accessible and affordable abortion care to guarantee individuals’ rights to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.