Episode 2: At What Cost? Denying Choice Deepens Disparities FemmSouth

What happens when a pregnant person is denied an abortion? How does it impact their life trajectory, financial security, and the wellbeing of existing and future children? And how does it compare with those who are able to access a wanted abortion?

In this episode of the “Reproductive Freedom in the Deep South” series, we address these and many other crucial questions related to the socio-economic fallout of Alabama’s abortion ban. We are joined by Dr. Diana Greene Foster, professor at UCSF and author of The Turnaway Study, and Vicki Shabo, policy advisor and gender-equity advocate at New America’s Better Life Lab.

Dr. Foster’s landmark Turnaway Study—hailed as “The Most Important Study in the Abortion Debate” by The Atlantic—interviewed 1,000 women to compare the life trajectories of those who either received a wanted abortion or were denied based on state restrictions. The Turnaway Study debunks two myths touted by anti-abortion activists: that abortions are harmful to women, and that the decision to get an abortion is made by “irresponsible” women without careful consideration. Dr. Foster’s research shows how it is in fact those who are forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy that experience measurable negative economic, health and emotional consequences over time.

We also look at the economic impact to the wellbeing of the child as well as the family that she may already be supporting or gearing up to have in the future (that is, if she even wants to have children at all). As Dr. Foster explains, “We see the benefits of people being able to determine their own decisions about childbearing: We see those kids are less likely to live in poverty if their mom was able to get a wanted abortion; the moms report better maternal bonding with their children. So it's an emotional decision, it's an economic decision—and denying people the ability to control their childbearing actually hurts women and it hurts children.”

Shabo’s research for New America is about understanding the costs of childcare in America and the impact of paid family and medical leave, especially in rural states like Alabama with a near or total ban on abortion. Shabo shares stark facts about childcare costs and the devastating impact of maternity care deserts and childcare deserts—including the fact that the U.S. has no federal guarantee for paid family or medical leave for new parents, a hardship Shabo has been working to remedy through testifying before Congress for legislation like the Build Back Better Act. As Shabo explains, “The unfortunate reality is that states that have restricted or entirely banned abortion access also do not have paid family and medical leave guarantees for their workers. And that means that people are left to play the lottery, or maybe they're leaving work—and that causes a whole other set of economic challenges. All of this is connected, and none of this is good for women, children and families.”

Another fascinating aspect of Shabo’s work we’ll hear about is advising the entertainment industry on more truthful, realistic story-telling around the ways we parent in hopes of steering cultural narratives towards a more inclusive economy. We hope you enjoy listening to our conversation, and continue to support organizations that are providing care for pregnant people.

Check out our Episode 2 show notes, including links to resources and more donation opportunities mentioned within the episode—https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cqQCoVSb_XSRXXPRaal_rTV0V6t3knWS2TiCu0lB1FI/edit#heading=h.fx116pkqr7g