It is very well said by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse that "Reproductive justice is economic justice." As much as I believe that abortion should be a primary right and a simple question of health and rights, it is hard to accept that for millions of women, issues of reproductive autonomy are not just tied to healthcare and freedom but also economic well-being. While most of these laws have been instated by the Western countries, namely the United States, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Suriname, we are not far off from a time when these decisions impact the Indian constitution as well if not taken the right actions to stop the mentioned laws.
According to the research from The Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), abortion restrictions have a deleterious cost on women's health and education leading to disproportionate impacts on the national and state economy. According to the United States Census, the restrictions on abortion cost the U.S. an average of $173 billion per year.
On an individual level, research shows that abortion restrictions reduce the likelihood of a woman graduating from school (both high school and college), which will lead to lowering her overall life savings, which will thereby lead to a low quality of life for her children.
And in the U.S., where 21 out of 50 states have banned abortions, women work more hours per week, have a lower income, become mothers earlier, and give birth to more children.
Access to abortion is also vital for economically vulnerable groups because denying abortion increases poverty among individuals. Corresponding to this, if there is a decrease in the level of poverty, the likelihood of abortion also decreases.
While indeed, I agree that having an abortion is a deeply personal and individual decision, a few common themes are being followed here by many seeking out the procedure. Many women cite financial and economic reasons. Additionally, most women who get an abortion are in their twenties, which is the time when they either start their careers or are still in school.
IWPR also reports that abortion access for Black women under the age of 24 increased individual earnings by $23,000 to $28,000 per year (75–100 percent) and family income by $48,000 to $52,000 per year.
More so, the United States National Bureau of Economic Research highlights that denying a person a wanted abortion creates lasting economic hardship and insecurity; increases single parenthood and contact with violent partners, and leads to more pressing health problems due to the higher risks associated with birth than abortion. These hardships last for years after the denied abortion.
In conclusion, abortion restrictions have significant economic and social repercussions. They impose a substantial financial burden, hinder educational and career opportunities for young women, and disproportionately affect economically vulnerable groups, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Access to reproductive healthcare is essential for promoting economic stability and ensuring social equity across communities.
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