More than 7 million adolescent girls in the United States are residing in states where abortion is restricted or banned, according to a study conducted by Rutgers Health researchers. This research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, explores the impact on adolescents since the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which shifted abortion regulation to state jurisdiction.
The study highlights that adolescents face disproportionate impact from such restrictions. “Minors are often targeted by restrictive policies and less able to use routes to abortion care common for adults – traveling to another state or using telehealth – leaving them disproportionately impacted,” said Laura Lindberg, a professor at the Rutgers School of Public Health and author of the study. She added that without access to abortion, these young girls lose control over their lives and futures.
As of December, 12 states have completely banned abortion, while 10 states have enacted restrictive gestational limits. By September 2023, parental involvement was mandated in 10 states with restrictive gestational limits and in 14 states, along with Washington, D.C., that either lack bans or restrictive gestational limits. New Jersey stands as a protective state, not requiring parental involvement for minors.
The researchers used population estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention based on the 2020 U.S. Census to conclude that 66% of adolescent girls live in states with varying degrees of abortion restrictions. Additionally, 42% live in the 24 states where abortion is allowed but requires parental consent or notification. “Twenty-four states protect abortion access for adults but don’t afford the same rights to minors forcing them by law to involve a parent, adding an unnecessary and harmful barrier to care,” noted Lindberg.
