Two abortion providers grapple with their post-Roe reality
Oct 9, 2023
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Doctors Ali Block and Nikki Zite, both abortion providers, discuss their experiences, emotional response, and the impact of abortion care restrictions. They share advice for those considering reproductive healthcare in a post-dob's world.
The end of Roe v. Wade has led to increased restrictions and challenges for abortion providers and patients, including longer travel distances and financial burdens for accessing abortion services.
The end of Roe v. Wade has resulted in a decline in the number of physicians trained and willing to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access is already limited.
Deep dives
Unintended consequences of the end of Roe v. Wade
The end of Roe v. Wade has led to unintended consequences for both abortion providers and patients. Providers in red states like Tennessee and Kansas are facing increased restrictions and regulations, making it difficult to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Patients are also impacted, as they face longer travel distances and financial burdens to access abortion services. The politicization of abortion has intensified, with new laws and restrictions being passed in many states. The lack of awareness and understanding among physicians and the broader public about the realities of abortion care poses challenges. This includes misconceptions about the situations where abortions may be necessary and the emotional toll on providers and trainees. However, despite these challenges, efforts to mobilize and galvanize support for reproductive rights have intensified, with increased activism and public sentiment in favor of protecting abortion access.
The impact on abortion training for medical professionals
The end of Roe v. Wade has had significant implications for abortion training for medical professionals. The increasing number of abortion restrictions and bans in various states has limited the opportunities for trainees to gain hands-on experience in providing abortion care. This lack of training affects the ability of future doctors to safely and effectively care for patients seeking abortions, particularly in cases of complicated pregnancies or when time-sensitive care is needed. The fear of criminalization and the moral distress associated with providing abortion care in restrictive states also dissuades some trainees from pursuing this field. The consequence is a decline in the number of physicians trained and willing to provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access is already limited.
Challenges of practicing abortion care in red states
Abortion providers in red states face unique challenges in delivering comprehensive reproductive healthcare. The politicization of abortion has resulted in the creation of restrictive laws, making it increasingly difficult to provide safe and accessible abortion services. The absence of alternatives and dwindling resources have put pressure on providers, leading to moral distress and complicated decision-making. The stigma surrounding abortion and misconceptions among physicians and the public further contribute to the challenges. Despite these obstacles, providers remain resilient and dedicated to their work, striving to normalize and advocate for reproductive healthcare while navigating the evolving legal landscape.
The need for sustained advocacy and sustainable practice
In a post-Dobbs world, those considering a career in reproductive healthcare must be prepared for the long-term fight to protect and expand access to abortion services. It requires perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to advocacy. The battle to safeguard reproductive rights will be ongoing, demanding sustained effort and navigating complex legal, social, and political landscapes. Nonetheless, providing reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, can be profoundly rewarding and empowering. It offers the chance to make a significant impact on patients' lives and support their reproductive choices. While challenges persist, the growing activism and support for reproductive rights offer hope for progress in the future.
Host of STAT First Opinion Podcast, Torie Bosch, interviews family medicine physicians and abortion providers Ali Block and Nikki Zite.
Physicians Alison Block and Nikki Zite knew what they were getting into when they became abortion providers early in their medical training. Family planning has long been a politicized, divisive area of medicine. And even though they knew that Roe v. Wade — the 1973 Supreme Court case that protected abortion access across the country — was being threatened, it still hit them hard when that ruling was actually overturned in June 2022.
This interview was originally released on STAT’s First Opinion Podcast, October 4, 2023.
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