By overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court made it harder for women to have an abortion. But even the court couldn’t have foreseen another side effect that may cost everyone in the long run. Here’s what’s happening.
Pregnancy Horror Stories
Ever since Roe v. Wade went by the wayside in 2022, women have been telling horror stories about their efforts to get proper maternal care.
Not Allowed Here
In some states, for instance, some life-saving procedures can no longer be performed because of they are technically classed as “abortions,” even though members of the public wouldn’t necessarily think that to be the case.
State Put Her in Danger
A young Idaho woman infamously documented her struggles with a troubled pregnancy on TikTok.
Because of the state’s abortion laws, she wasn’t able to have the D & C procedure she desperately needed.
Thousands of Bad Trips
And that’s just one story among thousands, which range from other medical emergencies left untreated to harrowing journeys across state or national lines to seek an abortion.
Deadly Side Effect
But as terrifying as the current landscape can be for expectant mothers, moving abortion laws back into the hands of individual states has had another effect.
The Courts Didn’t See It Coming
It’s surely an unintended consequence of the SCOTUS ruling, but one that could change the United States forever.
Young Women Spoke Out
Recently, Lauren Leader from All in Together reported on a poll conducted by the women’s civic education nonprofit.
The goal was to get a handle on how women were feeling about motherhood in the months since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
They Had a Secret to Tell
Among women in the 18-39 age range, a whopping 34 percent had a frightening admission to make as part of the survey.
No Babies for Them
These women said that either they or someone they knew had decided not to get pregnant because of the uncertainty around prenatal care.
Without Roe v. Wade, they don’t feel safe.
They’ve Seen Bad Things
This isn’t just some knee-jerk reaction, either.
These women have seen some bad stuff in the last 18 months or so.
Pregnancy Is Dangerous
Nearly a quarter of the young people who responded to the survey said they knew of a woman who had trouble getting help during an emergency situation while pregnant since the SCOTUS decision.
The U.S. Could Suffer Forever
The long term consequences for the United States could be dire, Leader warns.
Long-Term Decline
Birth rates began falling after 9/11 until a brief post-pandemic boom gave the baby watchers hope that the U.S. population could turn things around.
Anti-Abortion Laws Killed Recovery
But, according to the Brookings Institution, those birth rates are falling again.
The turning point seems to be the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Who Will Pay?
That’s bad news for the older, larger generations who need new workers to carry the tax burden as they themselves age out of the workforce.
After all, someone has to pay for Social Security, right?
She Has the Inside Scoop
Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson isn’t surprised by the downward trend.
She has a more graphic view of the struggles women have had since Roe v. Wade got nixed than most.
Women Aren’t Safe
“Abortion bans make pregnancy less safe,” McGill Johnson said.
Ironic Consequences for Conservatives
And when women don’t feel safe even getting pregnant, is it any wonder they just decide to skip the hassle?
Even the Supreme Court couldn’t have seen that one coming.
“America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM”: Fans Outraged After Black National Anthem Is Sung at Super Bowl LVII Instead of American National Anthem
The NFL’s decision to include the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the “Black National Anthem,” at the opening of Super Bowl LVII has sparked severe online controversy. Here’s the full story. “America only has ONE NATIONAL ANTHEM”: Fans Outraged After Black National Anthem Is Sung at Super Bowl LVII Instead of American National Anthem
“Karma Strikes Back” – Russia Faces Its Largest Attack on Home Soil Since the War Began
Reports of drone attacks on Russian soil by the Ukrainian forces have escalated to the largest cross-border attack since the war started, with the important airport in Pskov becoming the latest victim. “Karma Strikes Back” – Russia Faces Its Largest Attack on Home Soil Since the War Began
“Texas Is Doomed” – Federal Judge Delivers a Controversial Verdict, Gov. Greg Abbott Accused of Breaking the Law in Latest Legal Showdown
A federal judge has ruled that Texas governor Greg Abbott violated federal laws in his fight to keep Mexicans out. Now, the Republican may be up a creek without a paddle. “Texas Is Doomed” – Federal Judge Delivers a Controversial Verdict, Gov. Greg Abbott Accused of Breaking the Law in Latest Legal Showdown
They “Boxed All of the Black Children Together” – Florida Principal Threatens High-Achieving Black Student With Jail Time if Test Scores Don’t Improve
Bunnell Elementary School’s new principal, Donelle Evensen, attempted a unique strategy to address academic performance concerns, but it backfired spectacularly, sparking outrage and accusations of racial insensitivity. They “Boxed All of the Black Children Together” – Florida Principal Threatens High-Achieving Black Student With Jail Time if Test Scores Don’t Improve
Florida’s COVID Hospitalizations Soar as DeSantis Administration Urges People Under 65 Not to Get Newly Approved Boosters
Florida’s Covid-19 hospitalizations have surged to a post-pandemic record. Amid this crisis, Governor Ron DeSantis and his surgeon general’s controversial warning against COVID-19 booster shots has sparked intense debate and concern within the medical community. Florida’s COVID Hospitalizations Soar as DeSantis Administration Urges People Under 65 Not to Get Newly Approved Boosters
The post The Unintended Consequences of Overturning Roe v. Wade: Declining Birth Rates and Economic Woes Await the United States first appeared on Mama Say What?!.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
