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The Overturning of Roe v. Wade
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What do psychiatrists think of the overturning of Roe v. Wade?
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BREAKING NEWS
As of today, Friday June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. This comes on the heels of the early draft of a majority opinion obtained by Politico in May where Justice Samuel Alito wrote they would strike down the landmark case. Going forward, states will determine abortion rights.
Psychiatric TimesTM contributors have many thoughts on this controversial decision. If you’re interested in reading more about the abortion issue , women’s health care, and how legislation affects mental health, you should check out the following articles.
Legislating Medical Procedures
Robert C. Larsen, MD, MPH
“Although clinicians should support family planning and appropriate birth control, psychiatrists are acutely aware that mistakes happen and much of life is unplanned. Thus, there will remain a demand for abortion after access to the procedure or pharmacotherapy is restricted in parts of America.”
Would I Do the Same Approving of Abortions for Psychiatric Reasons as I Did 50 Years Ago?
H. Steven Moffic, MD
“I wondered on and off if I would return to doing what I could when the need for abortion seemed to be endangering the mental health of the would-be mother and fetus—yes, and fetus.”
Omar Reda, MD
“Women deserve better. They deserve to feel safe inside and outside their homes, at their places of employment, in their houses of worship, and wherever they might be…”
Maternal Mental Health Needs to Count
Saira Kalia, MD
“Maternal health is correlated with various factors including socioeconomic status, disease burden, and population dynamics. It is a poignant representation of the state of the country. The problem is multifactorial; it needs to be addressed on various levels, and we need systemwide organized and strategic efforts. Our patients are counting on us to address this issue.”
Do you have thoughts on the Supreme Court’s landmark decision? Share them with us at PTEditor@MMHGroup.com.
