Economic Consequences of Abortion Bans Since Roe v. Wade Overruled

Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade three years ago, the impact on public health and the economy has been significant. The ruling has increased health risks for pregnant individuals, contributed to preventable maternal and infant deaths, and now, new research indicates it has also caused hundreds of billions of dollars in economic losses across the country.

A recent analysis by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) estimates that the 16 states with near-total abortion bans have experienced over $64 billion in annual economic losses since June 2022. This amount roughly matches the total healthcare costs for nearly all births in the country last year. Overall, the nationwide economic toll since the overturn exceeds $133 billion annually.

The restrictions have not only reduced access to abortion but also decreased women’s participation in the workforce—over half a million women are kept out of employment each year, with Black women and Latinas hit hardest. The shutdown of federal protections and additional state restrictions, such as mandatory counseling and gestational limits, exacerbate these effects, further shrinking the labor force and dampening economic growth. Without these restrictions, the nation’s gross domestic product could increase by over 0.5%, according to IWPR estimates.

Research shows that restrictive policies are particularly damaging in states like Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia, which have the most stringent bans. Reversing these restrictions could significantly boost women’s labor participation and economic output in these regions. Conversely, these policies tend to worsen existing gaps in support for families, fostering long-term economic challenges.

The report underscores that restricting reproductive rights is not just a women’s issue but one that hampers the entire economy. It highlights the importance of policies that support reproductive health access, like paid leave and healthcare benefits, which can help mitigate these losses and promote economic stability.

Protestors advocating for abortion rights outside the U.S. Capitol.