The Overturning of Roe vs Wade: Implications for Women’s Mental Health-View Presentation

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Video Summary

The video features a discussion on the repercussions of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, organized by Dr. Madeline Becker and featuring experts like Nicole Huberfeld, Nancy Byatt, and Paul Applebaum. Nicole Huberfeld discusses the historical legal framework around abortion rights, rooted in privacy and equality doctrines, and the subsequent conflicts between state and federal laws following the Dobbs decision. She highlights significant disparities in state laws regarding abortion, with some implementing "trigger laws," while others expand protections. The Dobbs ruling has led to increased state-level restrictions, resulting in higher maternal mortality rates and challenging healthcare provision.<br /><br />Dr. Nancy Byatt talks about the mental health impacts on women being denied abortions. She notes that perinatal mental health issues are prevalent yet under-treated, and the Turnaway Study reveals adverse outcomes for women and families denied abortions. The stigma surrounding abortion also contributes to mental health challenges, rather than the procedure itself. Furthermore, restrictions disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating inequities in maternal and infant health.<br /><br />Dr. Paul Applebaum discusses the uncomfortable ethical position psychiatrists face post-Dobbs, especially in states where psychiatric grounds are excluded from abortion exceptions. He emphasizes the lack of clear standards for assessing mental health risk in abortion cases and the challenges psychiatrists face in safeguarding patient confidentiality amidst restrictive laws. Questions from the audience further explore the ethical and advocacy roles of psychiatrists. The session concludes with a call for active advocacy and the importance of organizational and individual conscience in navigating these complex legal and ethical landscapes.

Keywords

Roe v. Wade

Supreme Court

abortion rights

Dobbs decision

state laws

maternal mortality

mental health

Turnaway Study

marginalized communities

ethical challenges

psychiatrists

advocacy

legal framework