The Mental Health Implications of the Reversal of Roe v. Wade

The Charlotte Jewish News August 2022

By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director

The implications of the Supreme Court decision reversing Roe v. Wade will ripple across our society, with one of the most significant consequences being on mental health not only of pregnant women but also of the many others who are affected. Consider the impact on a couple having to care for a baby that they are not able or ready to care for, or the family of a teen to whom the responsibility of her pregnancy will now fall. With more children and youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system, more families in need of food stamps, public assistance, affordable housing, subsidized health care, we will all feel the effect on our economy and education and health-care systems. When these systems struggle, a direct result is an increase in stress, anxiety, depression — and consequently, the need for mental health care.

The statement below reflects the sentiment of the national organization representing Jewish Family Service organizations throughout the United States, Canada, and Israel. It highlights the future challenges we face as a result of this Supreme Court action.

NJHSA Statement on SCO- TUS Decision to Reverse Roe v. Wade

The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies finds these days to be intensely challenging ones for the United States of America.

With the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health overturning Roe v. Wade, the Court has determined that the right to an abortion is no longer protected by the U.S. Constitution and with this single ruling, has reversed close to 50 years that have supported the health, mental health, and personal decision making of women and of families. This ruling challenges the core principles of this country, namely the protection of privacy and freedom, including religious freedom, and personal choice, while also compromising the principles that guide Jewish human service agencies, namely the right to self-determination.

The member agencies of our network recognize that this decision will not impact all women equally. Making abortion illegal will not end abortion; it simply will make it less safe. Women and girls living in poverty, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA communities, those living in rural or medically underserved communities and persons with disabilities will bear an even greater and unfair burden in accessing safe abortions and other reproductive healthcare services. Making abortion illegal also will most certainly exacerbate the current mental health crisis, as women who are denied abortions frequently experience higher rates of depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem. As a network of community-based agencies that work each day to uphold the social work value of

the right to self-determination, we are renewing our commitment to ensuring that all will have access to the care they need. We will work together to maintain the Jewish community’s commitment to repairing the world as we support women and their families in all communities and from all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

May we all find the strength and courage to hold true to the values that keep communities and families safe and healthy.

Paula Goldstein, Board Chair Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO