Articles tagged with Abortion
Projected health outcomes associated with Supreme Court decisions in 2022 suggest substantial harms to public health due to lack of COVID-19 workplace protections and revoked abortion rights. Nearly 3,000 excess deaths are projected over a decade.
A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.
A large case-control surveillance study of over 100,000 pregnancies found COVID-19 booster vaccination not associated with spontaneous abortion. The results support the safety of COVID-19 booster vaccination recommendations for pregnant populations.
A study from Indiana University found that internet searches for abortion- and contraception-related terms increased significantly in states with trigger laws or pre-Roe bans after the June 2022 ruling. Searches surged 61% in these states, indicating concerns about impending restrictions on reproductive care access.
A survey study of 19,000 patients found that self-managed abortion was prevalent before accessing in-clinic care, particularly among those with limited access. The findings suggest a need for increased access to telemedicine and decentralized abortion care models.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced opportunities for sex, with fewer reported unplanned pregnancies and abortions, but higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and distress. The National Survey found that people were more likely to have multiple partners, but less likely to use condoms with new partners.
The study found a significant association between the loss of abortion rights and increased mental distress in females of reproductive age. Restricting access to abortion may disproportionately affect lower socioeconomic status individuals, leading to greater economic and mental health burdens.
A study of 31 million births in US states with and without 20-week abortion bans found a significant increase in Down syndrome diagnoses in the former. The study suggests that these bans may have influenced women's reproductive choices, leading to higher diagnosis rates.
A review of 182 nations found that almost all countries penalize those seeking an abortion (134 countries), providers (181 countries), and people assisting in the procedure (159 countries). The study highlights the need for better access to safe abortions and increased support for trained providers.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that factors such as marriage status, age, and education are associated with pregnancy termination in 36 low- and middle-income countries. The study used data from over 1.2 million women aged 15-49 and found that married women, those over 30, and those with higher education were ...
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
A Finnish study found that lowering alcohol prices led to a short-term increase in abortions and adverse birth outcomes, particularly among low-income women. Both factors returned to normal levels after several months. The research suggests that cheaper alcohol may lead to increased drinking and prenatal exposure to alcohol.
A study led by University at Buffalo physician Elana Tal found that people in states with restrictive abortion policies are less likely to receive optimal care after a miscarriage. The researchers found disparities in the management of early pregnancy loss, including lower rates of uterine aspiration and mifepristone prescription.
Research suggests that restricted access to abortions will cause severe stress for individuals carrying unwanted pregnancies, which may lead to psychiatric illnesses and developmental problems in children. This stress can exacerbate existing psychiatric vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of relapse or new episodes.
A new study reveals a strong relationship between attitudes on abortion and race, with those holding low racial resentment scores more likely to support abortion rights. The researchers found this connection has grown stronger in recent years, regardless of partisan affiliation.
A study by George Washington University professor Sonia M. Suter finds that reason-based abortion bans harm minority groups and restrict reproductive rights. The research challenges the notion that such bans are a remedy against eugenics, revealing instead a performative effort to justify discriminatory policies.
As abortion restrictions take effect, acute care surgeons should prepare to treat complications such as infection, haemorrhage, and injury to the uterus, bowel, bladder, and circulatory system. Experts argue that providers have an ethical duty to protect patient privacy and not report complications to law enforcement.
Researchers found Toxoplasma gondii infection causing abortions and neonatal deaths in bighorn sheep. The parasite is believed to be spread by domestic and wild cats, raising concerns for conservation efforts.
In Florida, over one in ten minors seeking abortion care through the judicial bypass system were denied, according to a new study. The research highlights the challenges faced by young people navigating parental involvement laws and the need for coordinated services to support them.
A retracted Frontiers journal article contained undisclosed conflicts of interest among its guest editors and peer reviewers, according to Digital Science company Ripeta. The analysis found that three of the four peer reviewers were directly or indirectly affiliated with an anti-abortion organization, which was not disclosed.
Researchers found a significant association between restricting abortion access and increased suicide rates among women of reproductive age. The study's findings have clinical, policy, and ethical implications, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to approach suicide risk classification in this demographic differently.
A Norwegian study of over 72,000 births found no increased risks of adverse outcomes for babies conceived within three months of a miscarriage or abortion. In fact, shorter intervals were associated with lower risks of small for gestational age and large for gestational age, as well as lower risk of gestational diabetes.
The 2021 Texas law banning abortion in early pregnancy led to a significant decrease in facility-based abortions within Texas and an increase in out-of-state abortions among residents. Over the 6-month period following SB 8 implementation, the percentage of out-of-state abortions at 12 weeks or more gestation rose substantially
The analysis found that travel time to abortion facilities in the US rose after Dobbs v Jackson's decision, with closure of 6-week bans increasing delays. The pre-Dobbs period saw more accessible facilities, resulting in shorter estimated travel times.
A recent study shows that a third of American women now face excessive travel times to obtain an abortion, with residents in the South facing the biggest jump. The share of women traveling over an hour for care has doubled, exceeding the US government benchmark for reasonable access to primary care. Black and indigenous women are dispr...
A study found that selective abortion of female fetuses is more pronounced among Indian diaspora, with lower sex ratios compared to natural range. The practice also affects Chinese diaspora, particularly in third pregnancies, where females are aborted less often than males.
A recent study found that only 35% of eighth and ninth graders in the child welfare system have received information on birth control, and even fewer know how to access it. The study highlights a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health education for this vulnerable population.
The US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade may limit medical treatment options for patients with rheumatic diseases, as abortion bans take effect in more states. Providers will need to balance evidence-based clinical recommendations with personal and professional risks of violating reproductive rights.
Researchers found that certain survey question sets can minimize stigma and increase disclosure among women. The study suggests redesigning surveys to improve data quality and support maternal, child, and reproductive health. The findings have the potential to influence national surveys and provide guidance to the field.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that telemedicine can provide safe and effective abortion services without routine ultrasound exams. Women who received telemedicine care had treatment results similar to those who received standard care, and preferred the option.
Researchers warn that the new abortion decriminalisation laws in South Australia are hindered by a lack of GP training and registration, which may lead to unequal access to safe abortion services. The authors argue that GPs must be advised on how to implement the law effectively, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce.
Researchers found similar operational procedures for remote medication abortion services across diverse practice settings, with adaptations made to local laws and regulations. The study highlights the feasibility of offering abortion services through telehealth, demonstrating potential variations in service adaptation.
A study provides a roadmap for primary care and OB-GYN clinicians to initiate telemedicine abortion services in states where abortion remains legal. The research found similar operational procedures across practice settings, with asynchronous patient-provider communication being the most efficient method.
A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 1 in 4 patients didn't know they were pregnant before six weeks. Meanwhile, 86% of those who did know their pregnancy status still had abortions after the six-week mark.
Women with conditions like MS, migraine, and epilepsy face increased unplanned pregnancy due to treatment effects on hormonal contraceptives. Teratogenic drugs used for neurological treatments may be restricted or unavailable during pregnancy.
A survey of rural women in the US found that those using illicit drugs have low contraceptive use rates and high unintended pregnancy rates compared to non-drug users. The study highlights the need for expanded access to reproductive health care and substance use treatment in rural areas.
Following the leaked SCOTUS draft ruling, internet searches for abortion medication increased by 350,000 during the first week of May. These searches were more prevalent in states with restrictive reproductive rights.
A new study found record-high demand for abortion medications in the US following the leaked Supreme Court draft ruling. Searches for abortion medications spiked 162% during the 72-hour period after the leak, with significantly more searches in states with restrictive reproductive rights. The team urges prioritizing accessible informat...
A study analyzing over 30,000 posts on a Neo-Nazi website found that white supremacists use the abortion debate to promote racist and extremist agendas. The researchers warn that science and medicine are being 'weaponized' to attract recruits and spread dangerous ideologies. Abortion rights are a contested issue in the US, with far-rig...
A review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that counseling patients about contraceptive use and providing contraceptives increases use without increasing STI risk or reducing condom use. The interventions also decrease unintended pregnancy in trials designed to evaluate this outcome.
A new study found that family medicine physicians face multiple barriers, including lack of training and institutional restrictions, to providing medical abortions. The study highlights the need for stronger exposure and training opportunities to strengthen access to safe abortion options.
A study of 856 individuals found that those living 50 miles or more from an abortion facility were still pregnant four weeks later, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking online abortion care. The research emphasizes the need for increased access to abortion facilities and support services in rural areas.
A study of 856 individuals found that those living over 50 miles from an abortion facility were still seeking or planning an abortion four weeks later. The research suggests that online abortion services may not adequately address rural access issues, resulting in delayed or foregone care.
Research by Kerim Can Kavakli and Valentina Rotondi finds that restricting US foreign aid for NGOs providing abortion information leads to higher maternal and child mortality, as well as increased HIV incidence. The study estimates that this restriction may be responsible for up to 27,000 deaths per year.
A new study by UCSF and UCLA finds that nearly half of US OB-GYN residency programs may lack abortion training if Roe v. Wade is overturned, posing significant risks for patient care. The researchers estimate that 44.8% of programs are in states where abortion will be banned, while 43.9% of residents have received training in these sta...
Two studies from Ohio State University analyze the impact of proposed abortion bans on access to care, revealing that residents may need to travel up to triple the distance for services. The research highlights the exacerbation of health inequities and the challenges faced by patients with limited financial resources.
In a study published in BMJ Open, researchers found that abortion rates remained stable in Sweden during the first pandemic wave, with no significant changes in timing or decision-making. Women who sought abortions did not hesitate to proceed, citing supportive care and reassuring healthcare systems.
Research found that UK medical students are missing out on comprehensive abortion care education, with varying curricula and barriers to teaching cited by educators. Most medical schools provide compulsory education on ethical and legal aspects of abortion care, but clinical aspects are often inadequate, leading to concerns about futur...
A history-based screening for medication abortion was found to be both effective and safe in this study, with a total of 3,779 patients involved. The researchers used either in-person dispensing or mailing of medications, without the need for ultrasonography or pelvic examination.
Demand for self-managed medication abortion skyrocketed after Texas Senate Bill 8 was enacted, with many women seeking the procedure due to limited access to clinics
A significant minority of Americans who morally oppose abortion would provide emotional support and logistical assistance to a friend or family member seeking an abortion, but may not financially contribute. The study's findings have implications for the Texas law that allows individuals to sue those who aided or abetted the procedure.
A new analysis of public opinion data found that Americans' attitudes and behaviors have become more liberal overall in the past 50 years, particularly on issues like gay rights and civil liberties. However, views on polarizing issues such as abortion, guns, and taxes remain unchanged.
A UBC-led study found no increase in abortion-related health complications after Canada removed mifepristone restrictions. The study examined 315,000 abortions in Ontario between 2012 and 2020 and showed that abortion continued to be safe and effective with mifepristone prescribed without restrictions.
A UC study found that Ohioans consider various factors beyond distance and cost when selecting an abortion clinic, including personal experiences, online reviews, and clinic type. The research highlights the importance of social myths and risk perception in shaping choices about abortion care.
New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.
A new study estimates that banning abortion would result in a 21% increase in pregnancy-related deaths overall and a 33% increase among Black women. The study suggests that staying pregnant is more dangerous to a woman than having an abortion, with carrying a pregnancy to term being 33 times riskier than having an abortion.
A recent study found that telehealth medication abortions were safe and effective during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers examined data from patients who underwent telehealth abortion procedures and found that they had similar outcomes to in-person procedures.
The study found that longer travel distances to the nearest abortion care facility are associated with higher abortion rates. Reduced travel distances may lead to increased access and subsequently lower abortion rates.
A study found that lifting FDA restrictions on mifepristone would allow pharmacy dispensing, normalizing medication abortion care and making it more accessible to patients facing barriers. Providers support this change to reduce logistical barriers and increase patient autonomy over their care options.