Ending Roe Was Supposed to Reduce Abortions. It Didn’t.

This podcast episode discusses the impact of abortion bans on birth rates in the United States. Through data analysis, researchers discovered a surprising increase in births in states where abortion is banned. The study also highlights the correlation between access to abortion clinics and deterrence in states with longer distances to such facilities. The episode emphasizes the unintended ramifications of abortion bans and underscores the significance of considering accessibility to reproductive healthcare when making policy decisions. Takeaways • Abortion bans in certain states led to an increase in births, reflecting a shift in choices made by women facing unplanned pregnancies. • States with longer distances to abortion clinics experienced the largest increase in births after the bans. • The availability of alternative options, such as ordering abortion pills from overseas, has mitigated the impact of abortion bans in some states. • The change in rules for obtaining abortion pills, including telemedicine abortions, made the procedure more accessible and affordable for women across the country. • The political activism and fundraising efforts triggered by the overturning of Roe v. Wade have led to new policies that have made abortion easier to access and less costly in states where it has always been legal. • The assumption that abortion bans alone can significantly reduce abortion rates is challenged by the data, which shows a nationwide increase in abortions since the Supreme Court decision. • Several states have passed laws allowing doctors to mail abortion pills into states with bans, potentially increasing the number of abortions. • The recent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel marks a significant step towards peace and de-escalation of violence in the region. • Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley has received an endorsement from the influential political network led by Charles Koch, positioning her as a favored candidate amongst Republican donors who oppose Donald Trump.