What Happens When We Deny People Abortions? | Diana Greene Foster | TED
Story of Two Women and Abortion Research
The speaker shares personal stories of her grandmothers' experiences with unwanted pregnancies, leading to her research on the effects of abortion on women's mental and physical health.
Personal Stories and Motivation
- Two women from different backgrounds faced unwanted pregnancies: Sally traveled for an illegal abortion during the Great Depression, while Dorothy gave birth and placed the child for adoption.
- The speaker's grandmothers inspired her to study unintended pregnancy consequences as a demographer and professor.
Debunking Mental Health Harm from Abortion
Discusses the misconception that abortion causes mental health issues in women, leading to laws restricting abortion access.
Misconceptions about Abortion
- Justice Kennedy suggested that some women regret abortions due to mental health harm, influencing laws.
- The speaker initiated data collection post this claim to investigate the impact of abortion on mental health.
Turnaway Study Design and Findings
Details the Turnaway Study design focusing on comparing outcomes between women who received abortions and those who were denied them.
Turnaway Study Insights
- Conducted at 30 clinics, comparing groups just under abortion limit with those turned away; found similar initial mental/physical health.
- Over five years, diverging outcomes showed no mental health harm from abortion but higher anxiety for denied group initially.
Physical Health and Socioeconomic Differences
Explores how physical health and socioeconomic factors differ between women who had abortions versus those who were denied them.
Disparities in Health and Economics
- Women denied abortions experienced worse physical health post-childbirth compared to those who had abortions.
- Economic disparities emerged post-unwanted pregnancy, impacting debt, credit scores, employment status, poverty levels.
Impact on Future Aspirations
Examines how access to wanted abortions influences women's ability to achieve future goals and aspirations.
Future Aspirations Influence
- Those receiving wanted abortions fared better in achieving aspirational plans like education, financial stability, relationship quality.
Supreme Court Justice Assumptions
The speaker discusses a Supreme Court justice's incorrect assumption regarding abortion rights and the misconception around women dropping off babies at fire stations.
Supreme Court Justice Misconception
- Amy Coney Barrett suggested that women could drop their babies off at fire stations when deliberating on ending abortion rights.
Importance of Access to Safe Abortion
The importance of access to safe, legal abortion is emphasized for individuals facing unintended pregnancies.
Supporting Decision Making
- Trusting women to make decisions that are right for their lives and families.
- Access to safe, legal abortion is crucial for the well-being of families globally.
Challenges Post-Dobbs Decision
Challenges faced post the 2022 Supreme Court Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal protections for abortion rights are highlighted.
Determination Amid Restrictions
- People experiencing unwanted pregnancies are determined due to understanding the consequences.
- Difficulties faced by individuals in states without legal abortion clinics, especially those lacking resources or restricted from traveling.
Personal Stories Reflecting Control Over Childbearing
Personal stories reflecting the impact of control over childbearing on individuals' lives are shared.
Family Experiences
- Contrasting experiences of grandmothers—one who had an abortion in Puerto Rico and another who faced complications after childbirth.