Does the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Affect MN?
With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, people are asking a lot of questions about whether abortion is now legal in all 50 states of the U.S. A lot of opinions have been shared as well, leading to misinformation about what is legal and what is not.
If you’re overwhelmed by the opinions or stories that you see in the news or on social media, read the rest of this article to learn how this affects you locally in the state of Minnesota.
What It Means that Roe v. Wade Was Overturned
The importance of Roe v. Wade in 1973 was that it ruled that a woman’s right to an abortion was protected by the U.S. Constitution.
This was challenged and overturned in the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case. This means that abortion is no longer a federally protected right. This means that each of the 50 states will decide if abortion is legal or not in their own state.
Does Minnesota Currently Grant Abortion Access?
Minnesota has its own state laws regarding abortion. Currently, abortion is legal in our state up to the point of viability (meaning the fetus can live outside of the womb). This is usually later than 20 weeks into the pregnancy.
Will This Limit Women’s Access to Healthcare?
Outside of abortion, the Supreme Court decision does not affect pregnant women. Treatments for high-risk pregnancies, stillbirths, and ectopic pregnancies will still be available to those in need.
What Happens Next?
Abortion access in Minnesota is not being restricted because of the recent ruling. However, it’s important to receive an ultrasound before deciding to get an abortion.
This is because it is possible you could take a medication abortion too late (they are only FDA approved for up to 10 weeks). Without an ultrasound, it’s also impossible to identify if you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (which happens to 1 in 50 pregnancies)
First Care offers no-cost ultrasounds as well as other services (such as pregnancy tests and pregnancy support) and even post-abortion care.
We are here to offer resources and support to any pregnant woman in need, so please contact us today to schedule your appointment!
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What Are the Mental Health Effects from Abortion?
Mental health effects after an abortion are not uncommon. With the serious procedure of abortion comes risks and side effects, some that are momentary and some long-lasting.
Some mental effects of abortion could include depression, anxiety, or emotions like loss or grief. In this blog, we will discuss the potential effects of abortion and the symptoms to look out for.
What is Abortion?
There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Abortion works to end an existing pregnancy, whether through a more in-depth surgical procedure or with medication.
Each type has its risks to your mental health as well as physical risks. According to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus, potential physical risks to abortion include incomplete abortion, infection, heavy/prolonged bleeding, damage to the cervix, and more.
The Mental Health Effects Of Abortion
According to the National Institute of Health, women with a history of abortion do experience “elevated rates of mental illness” compared to women who haven’t had an abortion.
Another study done by TFMHA concluded their study with “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
Some women experience a range of emotions after an abortion. Here are symptoms of Post Abortion Stress that you could experience…
- Generalized guilt
- Generalized anxiety
- Denial and repression
- Depression
- Regret and Remorse
- Flashbacks
- Specific or generalized sense of grief and loss
Learn More Today
To navigate an unplanned pregnancy, you will first need to confirm how far along you are, learn your viability, and the location of your pregnancy. Confirm your pregnancy today with our free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today to learn more about your pregnancy choices. Same-day appointments are available!
You are not alone.
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