Many Americans are now wondering what they can do to prepare for Roe v. Wade’s possible overturning, after the Supreme Court leaked decision.
Reproductive healthcare providers at the forefront of this debate have thought about it for a while.
Robin Marty, the West Alabama Women’s Center’s operations director, is also the author of Handbook for a Post-Roe America. Dr. Raegan McMosely, an OB-GYN who practices, is also the CEO of Power to Decide (a non-profit sexual health and planning organization). Both joined NPR’s All Things Considered for some guidance on how future reproductive healthcare will look and how people can be prepared in case Roe v. Wade is overturned. This interview has been slightly edited to reflect on what would immediately be outlawed by trigger laws in states like Alabama, should Roe v Wade be overturned.
Robin Marty: I’m going to quickly explain that, although half the states will likely not have legal abortion access, very few states (even those with triggers) will be immediately affected by the ruling.
It’s a time frame before something goes into effect. Alabama is not experiencing this. We have to ensure that patients are present in the waiting area if they need care. Before a decision is made, we must make sure that they have either begun the dilation process or taken their pills prior to 9 o’clock in the morning.
On what options are available to a pregnant woman in an anti-abortion country:
Robin Marty: A person has many options. Some involve traveling to a clinic in another state. This requires some research.
There are practical support groups and abortion funds that can provide financial and logistical assistance. We are also seeing that many people, particularly in the South, struggle to afford bus tickets, plane tickets and time off work. It’s not possible for many of them.
How to find a legitimate OB-GYN Clinic to ensure safety and security
Dr. Raegan McMosely: The first step is to find out where you can go. Power To Decide has a resource called abortionfinder.org. Another resource is “I Need an A,” which has databases of reliable clinics across the country.
Robin Marty: I completely agree with all Raegan’s statements. It is possible to reach out to an independent local abortion clinic to ask questions. Abortion clinics will always be aware of the happenings in their area. Online sources can be amazing but it is difficult to keep up-to-date. Ask us if you have any questions. Find a trusted doctor to get an abortion or receive aftercare.
Robin Marty: Actually, I created a list of questions people could ask their doctors. It’s a list that anyone can use to ask their doctors and it includes questions such as, “How do you feel about abortion?” “If I requested an abortion, would your office make a referral?” This is a long list that doctors must be vetted for. There are certain states where you can’t sue a doctor if they withhold information about your pregnancy. We’ve seen the effects of abortion laws on doctor-patient relationships. This situation is only going to worsen once doctors and patients are in prison.
Dr. Raegan McMosely: Just to add my medical perspective, I wanted to point out that while it is possible for someone to not be able to vet their provider, it is important to recognize that prolonged bleeding or needing medical attention following a medication abortion with medications they have taken themselves or under the care of a provider can look very similar to a miscarriage. Someone can present to the emergency room and tell their provider that they are experiencing cramping and bleeding and that they had a positive pregnancy check. They will then be provided with the necessary care without being required to disclose that they took abortion medication.
