Why overturning Roe v. Wade only made America's abortion rate rise

Salon - Mar 25th, 2025
Open on Salon

Following the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision, which overturned nearly five decades of abortion rights, the pro-choice community has mobilized to maintain access to safe abortions despite restrictive laws in many states. Key players, including abortion providers and activists, built a robust support network, ensuring women could still obtain necessary care, often through travel or telehealth services. This proactive response has mitigated the potential negative impacts anticipated by both sides of the abortion debate.

The book "After Dobbs" by sociologist Carole Joffe and law professor David Cohen highlights how these efforts have not only shielded Republican policies from immediate backlash but have also sustained a level of abortion access that defies initial fears. However, this infrastructure depends heavily on continued funding and activism, raising questions about its long-term sustainability. The ongoing battle between pro-choice advocates and anti-abortion forces indicates a complex landscape where legal challenges and grassroots activism intertwine, shaping the future of reproductive rights in America.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and timely exploration of the impact of the Dobbs decision on abortion access in the United States. It effectively highlights the resilience and adaptability of pro-choice advocates and providers in maintaining access despite legal challenges. The story is well-supported by credible sources and presents a clear, engaging narrative. However, it would benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives and additional context on certain legal aspects. Overall, the article is a valuable contribution to public discourse on a critical and controversial issue, offering insights into the evolving landscape of reproductive rights.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article presents a largely accurate portrayal of the post-Dobbs landscape regarding abortion access. It correctly notes that abortion rates have increased since the decision, supported by data from sources like the Guttmacher Institute. The claim about increased travel for abortions and the role of telehealth and shield laws is also consistent with available data, suggesting a well-researched basis for these assertions. However, the article's mention of informal networks distributing abortion pills lacks detailed documentation, which slightly detracts from its overall accuracy. Overall, the story is factually sound, with most claims verifiable through credible sources.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of pro-choice advocates and experts, focusing on the efforts to maintain abortion access post-Dobbs. While it provides a comprehensive view of the challenges and responses from this side, it lacks representation of the anti-abortion perspective. This omission could lead to a perceived imbalance, as the story does not explore the motivations or arguments of those supporting the bans. Including a broader range of viewpoints would enhance the article's balance, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly written, making it accessible to a general audience. The language is straightforward, and the narrative flows logically from one point to the next. The use of expert interviews and specific examples, such as the story of Texas ministers helping patients, effectively illustrates the broader issues discussed. However, certain sections could benefit from more concise explanations, particularly when discussing complex legal aspects. Overall, the clarity is strong, with minor areas for improvement.

8
Source quality

The article draws on authoritative sources, including sociologists and law professors, to support its claims. The involvement of experts like Carole Joffe and David Cohen lends credibility to the narrative, as does the reference to reputable organizations such as the National Abortion Federation. However, the article would benefit from a wider variety of sources, particularly those representing opposing views, to provide a more balanced and comprehensive picture. Nonetheless, the sources used are credible and relevant to the topic at hand.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent in its disclosure of the author's connection to the book discussed, which adds credibility to the reporting. However, it could improve by providing more detailed explanations of the methodology behind the claims, such as how data on abortion rates and travel was collected. Additionally, while the article mentions certain legal cases and risks, it could offer more context about the broader legal landscape and the potential implications of ongoing lawsuits. Overall, the transparency is adequate but could be enhanced with more detailed contextual information.

Sources

  1. https://www.salon.com/2025/03/25/why-overturning-roe-v-wade-only-made-americas-abortion-rate-rise/
  2. https://archive.org/details/tv
  3. https://19thnews.org/2024/06/two-years-roe-overturn-abortions/
  4. https://www.guttmacher.org/2024/03/despite-bans-number-abortions-united-states-increased-2023
  5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/abortions-have-risen-slightly-since-roe-was-overturned-study-finds