How Abortion Restrictions Impact Women’s Health and Well-Being 

Abortion restrictions have been a major issue in the United States, and with the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, the conversation around access to abortion has become more important than ever. The consequences of these restrictions can have far-reaching effects, particularly on public health.

In a recent Medium article, Kistein Monkhouse, the founder of Patient Orator, explores the various public health implications of limiting access to abortions. One area of concern is domestic violence. Studies have shown that intimate partner violence could increase as bans continue in abortion-restrictive states, with pregnant women who are survivors of abuse at a higher risk of developing obstetric complications. Additionally, limiting access to abortions limits individuals’ ability to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, which then limits their capacity to maintain their own health and well-being.

To address these issues, Monkhouse suggests several initiatives aimed at improving health access, such as federal protections for patient health information privacy, federal protection for individuals and doctors when medical abortions are necessary, and initiatives aimed at improving maternal health outcomes for vulnerable and BIPOC women.

The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has caused concern and urgency for pro-choice activists and organizations. Monkhouse’s article serves as a reminder of the need for policy infrastructure that protects women and vulnerable groups so that they can have the freedom of choice and power over their reproductive bodies.

To read the full article and learn more about the topic, check out Kistein Monkhouse’s Medium article “Thoughts on Women’s Rights to Abortion Care“.