The overturn of Roe carries severe repercussions. As we outlined in our initial response to the Politico report, the overturn of Roe v. Wade would cause devastating consequences for thousands of families across the country. 

We believe that as a result of the overturn, we will see:

• More than doubling the population of the foster care system.
• Increased home violence because parents in poverty have more stress upon them.
• More negligence and, thus, more crime when you consider that 40% of children who age out of foster care end up dead, homeless, and/or in prison within three years.

Additionally, the ruling of Dobbs has set a dangerous and disturbing precedent for rulings beyond abortion. Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurrence stated consideration for overturning the rulings of Griswold v. Connecticut, Obergefell v. Hodges, and Lawrence v. Texas. These cases have protected the right to contraception, granted legality to same-sex marriages in all states and territories, and banned laws against sexual encounters between those of the same sex.

Whether you identify as pro-choice or pro-life, we must all acknowledge the reality of the fallout that is to come.

• The ruling will not stop people from seeking out abortions and will likely cost more lives than the ruling’s supporters expect it to protect. Those who experience an ectopic pregnancy, septic uterus, or miscarriage will die due to not being able to have an abortion.
• Increased stress, mental health struggles, violence, crimes, homelessness, and poverty in states where abortion will be illegal.
• The influx of patients in states in which abortions are legally protected.
• Inevitable, continual targeting of human rights and bodily autonomy, especially for women and the LGBTQIA+ community.