Navigating the legal landscape of maternal health: Immediate impacts of Roe v Wade’s overturn on ectopic pregnancy, pulmonary hypertension, and pre-eclampsia
Abortion
Awarded 2024
Emerging Scholars in Family Planning
Shriya Jamakandi, MS
Brown University School of Public Health
$2,150

This research aims to investigate the impact of the overturning of Roe v. Wade on health outcomes among pregnant women with private insurance, specifically looking at the rates of ectopic pregnancy, pulmonary hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Utilizing a dataset spanning from 2012 to 2022, the study focuses on identifying trends and deviations in these health outcomes before and after the landmark decision in June 2022. By conducting a pre-post analysis, the research seeks to observe preliminary changes in the health metrics, acknowledging that the six months of post-overturn data may only provide initial insights. To enhance the robustness of the analysis, the study will employ statistical techniques to adjust for potential confounders, such as seasonal variations and demographic shifts. Furthermore, a comparative geographic approach will be taken by analyzing data based on state identifiers, allowing for an examination of how differing state policies regarding abortion might influence health outcomes. This research not only aims to contribute to the understanding of immediate health impacts following policy changes but also sets the groundwork for future longitudinal studies as more data becomes available. The findings could have significant implications for healthcare policy and resource allocation, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws.