US Abortion Restrictions and the Neuropsychiatric Health of Pregnant Individuals and Families.

Overview

IMPORTANCE: Recent changes in the legal landscape in the United States have affected access to abortion, and this restricted access has profound effects on both physical and mental health of reproductive-aged women and their families. OBSERVATIONS: Denial of abortion care has substantial consequences for the mental health of pregnant individuals and their children. We review rates of mental health symptoms and disorders in abortion-seeking individuals, those who are denied care, and those who are subject to laws restricting care. We also cover how these effects are experienced by those in marginalized communities, including rural populations and those of limited financial resources, and how resulting distress affects children born to those denied abortions. Finally, we review the current and shifting legal landscape and how it affects clinicians aiming to care for those experiencing mental health sequelae from the denial of abortion care. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: There is an urgent need for research on strategies to manage psychiatric disorders associated with restricted reproductive health services. The health of the mother is a critical element in fetal and infant well-being. Individuals who are forced to continue an unwanted pregnancy deserve the social and resource support required to deliver healthy infants who can be raised in an environment that allows the family to thrive.