Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Advisor

Jeannette Manger

Abstract

Abortion has been a topic for debate in the U.S. for decades. With the Supreme Court’s recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, many pro-abortion advocates fear for the looming effects this policy change will have on healthcare. In this study we aim to study how abortion access or lack thereof influences childhood healthcare outcomes. Past research has shown a negative impact of abortion restrictions on infant survival, future socioeconomic success, and the U.S. foster care system. Using data collected from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps and three abortion restriction levels created from Guttmacher, we found that states with restrictions had significantly higher infant mortality rates, percent of low birth weight, children living in poverty, and uninsured children. Conversely, states with protections had higher juvenile arrest rates and lower high school graduation rates. This shows that abortion restrictions negatively impact childhood healthcare outcomes materialize largely at younger ages.

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