How abortion bans make inequality worse

Overview of The Turnaway Study

  • Natural experiment tracking women seeking abortions in the US.

  • Focus on the impact of being denied an abortion on life trajectories.

  • Conducted over five years with biannual calls to participants.

Participants and Groups

  • Women in the study categorized into three main groups:

    • First-trimester group: Women who obtained an abortion within the first 13 weeks.

    • Later-term group: Women who got abortions just before the gestational limit, averaging around 20 weeks.

    • Turnaway group: Women who missed the gestational limit and were denied an abortion.

  • Aim to compare different life outcomes of these groups.

Financial Impact of Forced Parenthood

  • Study findings highlight significant financial burdens faced by women forced to carry pregnancies to term.

  • High economic costs associated with an abortion ban.

  • Majority of abortion seekers are already parents (around 60%) and disproportionately represent women of color and those living in poverty.

Motivation for Abortions

  • Key motivation for seeking abortions often tied to financial readiness.

  • Example Quotes:

    • "Not financially prepared" cited as the most common reason for wanting an abortion.

    • Many women reported financial instability and challenges at the time of their unplanned pregnancies.

Relationship Stability and Support

  • Participants reported declining relationship stability post-pregnancy:

    • Initially, 80% were in a relationship, dropping to 60% by year two and 27% by year five.

  • Women denied abortions often ended up raising children without partner support.

  • Child support findings: Average payments reported were as low as $20/month, with many receiving nothing.

Economic Trajectories Before and After Birth

  • Both groups showed similar financial situations prior to pregnancies.

  • After birth, the Turnaway group exhibited severely increased financial distress:

    • 80% increase in debt over 30 days past due.

    • 78% increase in bankruptcies, liens, or evictions.

  • Comparison shows clear financial penalties associated with being denied an abortion.

Impact on Children

  • Economic conditions of children reflect the struggles of their mothers:

    • 55% of children from women who aborted lived in poverty vs. 72% of those whose mothers were denied abortions.

Realization of Fears

  • Study showed women accurately predicted future struggles regarding childcare and financial security:

    • Many participants highlighted fears about affording childcare, which turned into realities post-denial.

Long-term Consequences of Denial

  • Participants shared feelings of disrupted life plans:

    • Statements about the challenges of personal aspirations due to forced parenthood.

    • Some were able to achieve educational and career goals post-abortion, revealing how access to abortion impacts life trajectories.

Concluding Insights

  • Essential to acknowledge and believe women's understanding of their readiness for parenthood:

    • "If somebody tells you they're not ready to carry a pregnancy to term, believe them."

  • The Turnaway Study illustrates clear connections between abortion access, financial stability, and the overall quality of life for women and their children.