Report restricting access to abortion causes big financial problems / Public information service
LINCOLN, Neb. – Limiting women’s access to abortion and other reproductive health care can have a devastating impact on state economies.
According to new data from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, restrictions on books in Nebraska cost the state $ 1 billion a year in lost income, productivity and state revenues.
Andi Curry Grubb, Nebraska State Director for Planned Parenthood North Central States, said women who cannot get care face economic challenges that can last a lifetime.
“Having access to a safe and legal abortion, as well as contraception and comprehensive sexuality education, all of these things together really make people better plan their futures and take control of their lives,” said Grubb.
Nationally, abortion bans and other restrictions are estimated at $ 105 billion per year.
Grubb pointed out that while Nebraska doesn’t yet look like Texas on paper – where abortions are now banned after six weeks, before most women even realize they’re pregnant – the impacts of restrictions enacted by lawmakers over the past decade have undermined a woman’s right to access reproductive health care.
Nicole Mason, chief executive officer of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, said states with laws restricting access to abortion, by imposing waiting periods or outright bans, are having an impact disproportionate over low-income women and women of color.
She explained that the restrictions hurt women by reducing their participation in the labor market, reducing their income and increasing turnover.
“Loss of income for women, women who have to cross state borders to access services,” Mason explained. “For women, especially low-income women, who may not have access to paid sick leave, or even health insurance, it also adds to the economic cost to them.”
Grubb noted that since the Texas law came into effect, people across Nebraska have spoken out in favor of the right to a safe and legal abortion.
“And we know that most Americans, including most Nebraskans, support access to this type of care,” said Grubb. “It’s health care, that’s all.”
receive more stories like this by email