In this episode of Checks and Balance from The Economist, the hosts delve into the aftermath of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the future of the fight over abortion access. The decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organisation has resulted in a patchwork of different abortion policies across the country, with some states banning or severely restricting abortion while others have allowed it to remain legal and accessible. The data from the We Count project shows that there has been a 3.5% decline in the number of abortions in the nine months after the Dobbs decision compared to the nine months before, but this data only captures legal abortions obtained through the healthcare sector and does not account for self-managed abortions or abortions obtained through other means. The decline in the number of abortions has had a significant impact on women's access to healthcare, particularly in states with severe restrictions where women may have to travel long distances to obtain an abortion. The future of abortion access in America is uncertain, with several states considering further restrictions and bans on abortion. The outcome of ongoing litigation and the results of upcoming referendums and elections will shape the future of abortion rights in the country.
A year ago the Supreme Court upended abortion access in America. The court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade allowed states to ban abortion, leaving a patchwork of policies across the country. What difference has the ruling actually made, and what will happen next in the fight over abortion access?
Dr Ushma Upadhyay from the Society of Family Planning shares the latest numbers. Dr Alicia Gutierrez-Romine, author of “From Back Alley to the Border”, remembers Ronald Reagan’s surprising role in widening abortion access. And The Economist’s Stevie Hertz travels to Ohio, where voters are being asked to decide the future of the state’s abortion rights.
John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon.
We love hearing what you think of Economist podcasts. If you have a few minutes please fill out our latest survey at economist.com/podcastsurvey
You can now find every episode of Checks and Balance in one place and sign up to our weekly newsletter. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
podchat