What Are the Consequences of Using Restrictions to Decrease Abortions?

ABSTRACT

Many women will be forced to carry an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy to term, a violation of human rights law, which recognizes the right to decide on the number and spacing of children.3 The consequences of restricting access to abortion include the physical health risks inherent in pregnancy, which are more dangerous than abortion at any time in the gestation.4 The mortality rate ofwomen and girls undergoing childbirth is approximately 14 times higher than those undergoing abortion.5 The physical health consequences to women who are unable to have a desired abortion are substantial. [...]the counterfactual scenarios when abortion is restricted are clear increased burdens to seek needed care;self-managed abortion (about which we know little at ‡20 weeks);unsafe abortion, which is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality;or continuing an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy to term.6 Abortion is an essential component of health care7 and will always be necessary. [...]of writing this editorial, we are awaiting the US Supreme Court decision on June Medical Sendees v Russo (previously v Gee) regarding the 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, which would effectively eliminate abortion access in the state.